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^,.4\>'^^' ' '
Old Stone M.]]] Atl^^e
w
popt .
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/ /
^0«^ill.%^ IS.
JOHN. S TATLOR^-:^
17 Ann S^'
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HISTORY
OP
RHODE ISLAND.
BY EEV. EDWAED PETEESON,
AUTHOR OP " THE WORLD IN THE ASCENDANT," " PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANITY
CONTRASTED WITH MODERN," " BIBLE TEMPERANCE REVIEW," &C.j &C.
JOHN S. TAYLOE, 17 Ann-Street.
1853.
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Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by
JOHN S. T AYLOK,
In the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States,
for the Southern District of New- York.
JOHN J. REED, POINTER,
16 : Spruce-street.
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TO
THE PEOPLE,
THIS
WORK IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED^
BY
TTtaii 65i[li]T[M]@[^a
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^ mi [F i®i©
In seeKing out Materials for a work of this kind, embracing
a period of nearly two centuries, it must be obvious to the
reader, that it has been attended with much difficulty, as
valuable Eecords have been lost, which would have greatly
aided and facilitated the publication.
Tradition has been the source, from whence much infor-
mation has been derived, of a highly interesting and amusing
character, and which could not, possibly, have been obtained
from authentic records.
We have, however, under every discouragement, labored to
present a variety of subjects of the deepest interest, from
the Settlement of the Island, to the breaking out of the
American Eevolution ; at which period we have shewn, that
Newport had attained to a high degree of celebrity, and stood
unrivalled by any City or Town in the Colonies.
We have, also, brought down events until within a few
years, in order to give the reader the opportunity of enjoying
all the advantage which was to be gathered from the reminis-
censes of the past.
To the Antiquarian, this work will be highly interesting, as
it will be found to contain much valuable information ; and
prove extremely amusing to every class of readers, from the
variety of subjects which it contains.
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Yl PREFACE,
This work being published by subscription, we have added
a list of those subscribing, whose names were transmitted to us
prior to its going to press, since which numerous others have'
been handed to the Agents, but not as yet transmitted to us,
which precludes their appearing with the rest.
As we have among our Subscribers many celebrated names,
either in connection with Ehode Island, or from other causes,
we have, in order to ^dd to th^l interest] of the work, given a
fac-simile of their respective signatures.
The Author's acknowledgments are due to the many friends
who have aided him in the progress of the work, and more
particularly to David Melville, Esq., iand B. B. Howl and,
Esq. ; also for information gleaned from the Notes of the late
Henry Bull, E^q., and Boss's "Historical Discourse".; also to
many other gentlemen, who have taken a lively interest in this
enterprize.
Newport, E. L, 1853.
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"f [iKiir
Pescription of Aquedneck, now Rhode Island. 17
Settlement of the Island 18
Names of the First Proprietors « .....„..,.„ 20
Mr. Ooddington elected Governor 21
Intolerant Proceedings regarding Religion 23
Charter of Incorporation 24
Oath. of Incorporation . . . , , ib
The Purchase of the Island , , . ^ . . 25
Fac-simile of Miantunomu's Mark for Signature. .......* ,..o», . ib
Fac-simile of Cannonicus's Mark for Signature , o ...»,- . ib
Fac-simile of Wonimenatony's Mark for Signature. ........ ., 26
Death of Governor Nicholas Easton . , , 28
Laying put the town of Newport » o. 29
Public School Instituted. 30
Appointment of Solicitor and Attorney-General. . . , . , ib
Mr. William Dyre appointed Attorney- General 31
Mr. Hugh Burt appointed Solicitor-General ib
The Island Independent- 5. , • • - - • ■• - • - ^2
Encouragement of. Settlers.,. . .... ...................... 34
A Seal appointed for the State = 35
First Arrival of Quakers on the Island. 36
Massachusetts Intolerance and Cruel tjr ..... . ......... 37
First Quarterly Meeting of Friends in New England- ............ 39
Middletown Asyluni ^ ....... . . ib
The Last of the Sect of Gortonians . . » fe[
First Insolvency on the Island ............. 41
County Jail Erected - - . . . 42
Death of Cannonicus, the Indian Sachem ib
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Vlii CONTENTS.
Aquedneck Indians 43
Philip of Mount Haup, an Indian Sachem 44
Death of Miantunomu, Chief Sachem of the Narragansett Indians. 45
Death of Oanonchet, Son of Miantunomu 47
First Charter of Incorporation from the British Crown 48
Character of Roger Williams. 49
Longevity of the First Settlers of the Island 53
Shortness of Supply and Dearness of Provisions 54
Mr. William Brenton, President of the Colony 55
Death of Mr. Brenton 56
A Bellman Chosen 57
A Seal Procured for the Town, with the Device of a Sheep 58
The Town of Newport Surveyed, in 1782 ib
The Cod Fishery in Newport ib
Easton's Point 59
Peter Pylatt, a negro, executed for a Rape 60
Colony House Built - - 61
First Market-house Erected ib
Circus, for Equestrian Performances, Opened 62
The Crewless Vessel - - 63
Execution of Pirates - - 64
Names of Pirates Executed . « » . ^ . . » .. 65
First Discovery of Block Island ib
Death of William Jeffray, supposed to have been one of King
Charles the First's Judges 66
Distressing Accident - — 67
Mr. John Clarke, and the Charter of 1663 68
The Reception of the Charter by the People of Newport 72
Seal of the Colony 73
The Chair of State , 74
A Tale of Times Past, — an Ode on the Chair of State. ib
Laws passed by the General Assembly in 1663-4 76
Arrest of Mr. John Clarke 77
Mr. Holmes Suffered Flogging for Conscience-sake 78
Death of Mr. John Clarke ib
Bequest of Mr. John Clarke 79
Judge Samuel Clarke . ..,, 80
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CONTENTS. IX
The Commercial Relations of Newport .., 81
The West India Trade 83
Custom-House Records 84
'.V
Oustom-House Instructions 85
Amount of Molasses Imported S6
"Warrant for Sale of Goods . » 87
Power of Attorney 88
Flight of Mr. Rome for Protection, on the Stamp Act Excitement,
to a British Man of War 89
Henry Collins, Esq. 90
Market-house Erected in Newport 91
Charles Dudley, Esq., Collector of Customs, flies for Refuge on
board a Man-of-war. . — , 92
Loss of the Brig " Dolphin,'' 93
Loss of the Privateer "Tay,"' 94
Events in the War with France 95
Capture of Louisburgh, and the Surrender of the Island of Cape
Breton by the British ib
War Declared by England against France 96
Samuel Cranston, Esq o 97
Horrid Butchery by Pirates ib
Return of S. Cranston, Esq., from Piratical Slavery 97
Death of Governor Cranston 99
The Marine Society Instituted. 100
Masonic Fraternity in Newport - 101
Origin of the Decatur Family 102
Slave Trade in Newport 103
Slaver of G. and F. Malborn ib
Annual Election of a Governor by the Slaves 104
Treatment of Slaves in Newport ib
Remarks on Slavery 106
Rejoicings on the Repeal of the Stamp Act , 110
Linen Manufacture Carried on in Newport Ill
Extracts from Funeral Sermon on Mrs, Wanton 112
Genealogy of the Malborn and Brinley Families 115
Church Erected in Brooklyn, Connecticut 116
Attack of Minute-Men on Conmi'ssory George Brinley - 118
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Z CONTENTS.
Kecord of Edward Brinley's Recovery, after beifig'shot through
the Body with a Ramrod w 120
Extract from the Will of Mrs. Sarah Reape 122
Literary and Philosophical Institution Established 123
Redwood Library Erected 125
Presentation of Books to Redwood Library, by the English King 125
Dr. E.. W, Ohanning, on Redwood Library 126
Bishop Atterbury's Character of Bishop Berkley 126
Interesting . Letter , of Bishop Berkley 127
Poem, by Bishop. Berkley, *' On the Prospect of Planting Arts and
Learning in. America? 128
Bishop Berkley^s Description of the Hanging Rocks, situated near
Sachusett Bay 129
Death of Bishop Berkley. 130
Elegant Country and Town Residences. : 132
Description of the Splendid Mansion of Col. Godfrey Malborn. . . ib
Col. Malborn's Residence Destroyed by Fire, in 1766 133
Ancient Mode of Cooking Dunfish. 134
First Fire Engine in Newport 135
Samuel Elam, Esq., of Vaucluse . . . ... . ... , 136
On the Aristocratic Feelings of the Inhabitants of Newport 137
Sale, and Destruction of the '^ Endeavor," the Ship in which Oapt.
Cooke circumnavigated the Globe. 138
Cundall's Mills. ib
Mr. Cundall Perishes in a Severe Snow Storm 139
Lawton's Valley 140
Count Seguin's Views on Seeing Newport. ib
Count Seguin's Description of Miss Polly Leighton 141
Ball given to the Ladies of Newport, by the French OflScers 142
Memoirs of the Ward Family 143
Richard Ward Elected Governor 144
Commencement of the Political Strife, between Samuel Ward and
Stephen Hopkins ib
Propositions for Peace, made by Mr. Hopkins 145
Monument to Richard Ward, Esq 147
A Packet-ship Captured by a Refugee-boat 148
Recapture of Packet-ship, by Capt. Nicholas Webster ib
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CONTENTS. XI
One Young .Man, and Six Young Women, Accidentally Drowned, 149
Franklin's Printing Press,. ..-.....- »......-.. ib
Death of Governor Caleb. Carr . . . . . . i . . . . . i . . . ^ . ^ „ - . „ . . 150
!Ehe Artists of Newport. .... .. ..........;. . . . . 151
Ife Newport Bar. .,.-. ». 154
Messrs, Johnson, .Martin Howard, jun., and Dr. MojSTat, (Stamp-
Masters,). Hung and. Burnt in lE^Mgy. 156
Gift of "Liberty-Tree. Lot^'.to the Town, by Mr. William Reed, . 157
Mr- William .Ohanning, Attorney^General ..... 158
J^udge Lightfoot, in .Newport. 159
!Ehe: Medical Eaculty. 160
Charter .Granted .to the Artillery Company *.........,. 163
linportation of fish. :. . .w... 163
Attractions of Newport for Fishing. 164
Fishing Places, .and Anecdotes connected therewith, ....... . 165
Account of a Remarkable Darkness which occurred, hence called
the ^* Dark Day,^'. ,. „ 166
€rreat Snow Storm and Intense Cold. ...,..,...,........, 167
fheStone Mill... 168
The Northuaen, descended from the Scandinavians, supposed to
have Erected the Stone Mill, prior to the time of Columbus, ib
Extract from the Will of Mr. Edward Pelham^ respecting the
Stone. Mill. 170
Analysis of the Cement or Mortar, used in the Stone Mill , 171
Purgatory, near Newport, said to have no bottom, proved a fallacy 172
David Melville, Esq., on the Stone Mill. ..,.,. ..,..., ib
Letter from C, C. Rafn, Esq., R.S.N. A., at Copenhagen, relative to
the Stone Mill. 173
Tradition current among the Indians, of a Visit from White Men
in Remoljo Ages » ,.. » ..,« 178
The Descendants of Abraham 179
Mr. Aaron Lopes Drowned in Scott's Pond ib
Mr. Touro's Munificent Gift to Repair Redwood Library. ....... 180
Honorable Conduct of Abraham Rod. Riviera, a Jewish Merchant ib
Death of Mr. Moses Lopez, the Last Resident Jew in Newport. . 181
Re-opening of the J-ewish Synagogue ,,,...., 182
Anecdote of a Lady and her Lover^ at Hog Hole. ,„.„..„»<. o p = , . ib
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Xll CONTENTS.
First Equestrian Performances on Rhode Island .o -«„.„„, „ 183
The Rev. Marmaduke Brown, Elected to Trinity Church ib
Memoir of the Hon. Arthur Brown, LL.B. . . . „ 184
Memoir of Baron Kinsale, of Ireland, (a native of Newport) 185
Memoir of the Rev. William Rogers, D.D 186
Memoir of the Auchmuty Family 187
Memoir of the Minturn Family „.... „.... 189
Memoir of Admiral Sir Charles Wager 192
Sir Charles Wager runs down a Privateer Schooner „ . . . . 193
Anecdote of Capt. Hull and Admiral Wager. 194
Events in the Revolution 195
The Passing of the Infamous Stamp Act 196
Dr. Franklin's Prediction respecting the Stamp Act, , . . . 197
Associations formed in Newport, to use no goods imported from
England 198
Seizure of two Vessels and a Sloop, belonging to Connecticut, . . 199
Destruction of the British Sloop '* Liberty," by the Populace of
Newport , ». 200
Boston Port Bill, Passed by the British Parliament.. 201
Resolutions at a Town Meeting in Newport - 202
Newport Harbor, a Rendezvous for the British Navy. 203
Surrender of Ticonderoga, on Lake Champlain^ to the Continental
Troops 204
A Regiment Raised in Newport. ib
Three hundred Minute-men Arrived, and Prevented the Seizure
of Cattle = . 205
Treaty between Admiral Wallace and the Town of Newport. ... ib
Mr. Martin wantonly Shot by the British, whilst standing at his
own door - — . . . . 206
Mr. Edward Wanton Converted to Quakerism » 207
BIr. John Wanton Elected Governor , „ . . . „ ib
Letter from Hon. Stephen Hopkins, to the- Northern Part of the
Colony 208
Arrest of Tories, by General Lee * 209
Commencement of the Siege of Quebec. 210
Attack on the British Fleet in Newport Harbor, by Col. Richmond 211
Prize Sloop Taken by Capt. Grimes, and sent to Providence. . „ . , , 212
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CONTENTS. Xm
Eetreat of the American Army from the Island 213
British Troops Quartered upon the Inhabitants 214
Anecdote of Mr. Anthony 215
Tyrannical Conduct of General Prescott. ib
Seizure of General Prescbtt, by Colonel Barton , 216
Quako Honyman, a negro, guide to Colonel Barton ib
Seizure of Major Barrington 217
Gen. Prescott Cow-hided by a Pomfret Landlord ib
Imprisonment and Liberation of Colonel Barton 218
Secret Expedition of General Spencer against Rhode Island 219
Surrender of General Burgoyne ib
Secret Correspondence at Little Compton 220
Arrival of the French Fleet, under Count D'Estaign 221
Atrocity of William Crosson, a Refugee 223
Murder of Judge Taggart's Son 223
The '' LanguedoCj" French Ship, Dismasted 224
Great Snow Storm, called the " Hessian Storm," 225
The Treaty of 1778 226
Severe Action at Butt's Hill 228
Retreat of the Americans, under General Sullivan 229
Rhode Island taken Possession of by the British 230
Burning of the Barracks at Fort Adams 231
The Records of the Town of Newport, returned to the Authorities
by Gen. Carlton.... 231
Houses Destroyed by the British 232
Disaffected Persons Banished 233
Arrival of the Oneida Indians at Newport 234
Arrival of General Washington at Newport 235
Address of the Citizens to Gen. Washington 236
Gen. Washington's Answer to the Address »- 237
Execution of a French Artilleryman 238
Death of the Chevalier de Fayelle 239
The Supremacy and Independence of the United States, acknow-
ledged by England 239
Memoir of Francis Melborn, Sen - . 240
Anecdote of John Murphy 241
Anecdote of Capt. Hood, of Newport. 242
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Xiv (JONTENTS..
Escape of Capt. Reed from a Prison Ship. ..;,..,..., = »,....„„. 24S
Death of Crandall, the Tory. .,, . . ............. 244
Capture of the British Privateer '' Tartar," . . , ^ . « . : ib
Capture of the British Store-ship " Elephant," «. . „ ... .-...„, ib
Brutal Murder by the British „ . .. ...... ... ........ 246
Estimate of the Population in 1774. . ...... ...:. . .^ ..,-«..-.,.. ^ . ib
Application of Refugees to Settle. . ...-,.,.,..... . , , » . . . . .„ . w 247
Remarks on Past Events ..... . . . . . ..:...,.,,.• .; .... . .; 248
Election of Corporate Officers ;. . ,. . , .. . .- .... ... .>« . w- -. - -- 249
Votes on the Constitution ^ . . . . . ..,...« . . . . . . 4 . ; 250
Introduction of Paper Money . ....-,.. - . , . . 251
Paper Money made a Legal Tender ^ ....... .. . „ 252
Money Difficulties. .......;. ....... 253
Provision made for Transfer of United States' Stock. ............ 254
Slavery of Colored. People Abolished . 255
Washington's Prophetic Warning! ...„,...,,....„. 256
Fallacy of Abolitionism. . . . . . . .-,. ;.-.-....-., • - - -- 257
Foreign Trade of Newport, ...... ....... ...-.-.-...... . ........ 258
Packet Accommodation, .,.,.,.,.,.,....-..... ib
Uncle Tom Townsend's Coffee-house „ .... 259
Loss of the Spanish Brig " Minerva/' „ . , . 260
War Declared with Britain. » --» 261
Arrival of the British Frigate '' Macedonia,'' as a Prize... ,.,. 262
Battle of Lake Erie, . . ... . ... . ... ..... .-."...- - - - - .-• - 263
Address of Commodore Perry to his Seamen. . . 264
Defeat of the British Fleet ,....,..., ........... ... 265
Anecdote of a Newport Boy. ...^-.-.. 266
Capture of a Fort at New Providence ,.,'...,,...„»-.„.>,.,„ 267
Embargo placed on the Shipping ..*..,«.. . . . . . , .»--:-.-. 268
Fort Green Taken Possession of by the American Army, . . . .... 269
Reminiscenses of Dartmoor Prison, England ^ --.... ^ .. „ 270
High Price of Provisions. . .... , . . ^ ^ » . . . . ,,. . , . - . .^ .;.,. ib
Success of the War :, .. . . ,-...,.. 271
Death, of Commodore Perry, . . .......... . ................ ..... 272
Dreadful Gale. - . .,. . . 278
Remarkable Deposit of Salt . . ... ......,,-.- ..... - . .. .... - 274
Charitable Institutions ...... i .......*...... . » . ..... ,.,. ,» 275
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GON'TENTS. XV
Savings' Bank E&tablished. *....»... ........... 276
Asylum for the Poor Voted for ............... ^ ..... ^ ... ^ ^ „ . 277
Coaster's Harbor Island Selected for the Site of the Asylum. . ... 278
Erection of Public Schoolj No. 1, ................... . . ..... . . 280
School Fund -Instituted . . . . ........... . . . ................. . . . 281
Reading of the Declaration of Independence. ........ . . ... ^ ... , 282
Remarks on Independence Day . . . ... ..^ ........*........... ^ . 283
Memoir of General C. T. James.. ,. ....... .............. 284
The Asiatic Cholera. .... . . .... ...... ................. ,. ... 285
Population Statistics, in 1850. 286
Portsmouth Asylum Erected 287
Discovery of Coal in Newport . . . . . . . . . ..... . ........... 288
Heart Fire Club Established................... ......... 289
Fires, from 1749 to 1848. .... .... .... . . 290
Remarks on the Narragansett Indians 293
Civil and Religious Liberty in Rhode Island \^^
Assent to the Constitution 297
Dr. Mather's Views of the People of Newport 298
Sovereignty of the People. 299
Distribution of Public Lands. , 300
Dr. Waterhouse on the Salubrity of the Climate of Rhode Island, 301
List of Presidents and Governors of the Colony 303
Appendix : — Trinity Church, Newport 307
Queen Anne Presents a Bell to Trinity Church 308
Arrival of Bishop Berkley at Newport 310
Bishop Berkley's Bequest to Yale College 311
Mr. Kay's Bequest for a School 312
Death of the Rev. Mr. Honyman 313
Rhode Island Taken Possession of by the British. ... 314
Dissentions in the Church 315
The First and Second Congregational Church. „ 318
The Rite of Baptism Refused by the Rev. Mr. Clap. . . , ib
Extracts from Funeral Sermon on the Rev. Mr. Clap 320
On Rev. Mr. Clap's Dissentions with his Congregation 321
New Church Organized 322
First Baptist Church in Newport, and in America 330
Dr. Mofifatt's Epitaph on the Rev. John Callendar 337
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XVI CONTENTS.
Second Baptist Church „ 339
Society of Friends, or Quakers 342
Sabbatarian, or Seventh-Day Baptist Church , 343
The Moravians, or United Brethren o . , 346
The Fourth Baptist Church 34T
The Methodist Society 348
The Colored Union Church 349
The Catholic Church of St. Joseph ib
Second Episcopal Parish. - - 350
The Unitarian Congregational Church 352
Churches of the Christian Denomination 353
The Friends' Meeting-House 354
The Central Baptist Church, Newport - ib
List of Subscribers » ^57
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HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
THE ISLAND OP AQUEDNECK, NOW RHODE ISLAND,
'' My lovely island home,
I love thy sea-girt shore,
Thy rocks and sunny hills,
And foaming billows' roar.
The harvest proudly waves,
And gently fan each breeze,
The sweet birds hover round the spot,
And warble in the trees.
To thee my memory turns,
In sorrow and in care :
My native island home,
I love to linger there.
My home o'er the dark-blue sea,
Thy charms shall near depart 5
But. linger round my memory,
And twine about my heart,"
The Island of Aquedneck, now Ehode Island, from whence
the State derives its name, was so called from the celebrated
Isle of Ehodes, in the Mediterranean Sea. It is fifteen miles in
length, and about three miles and a half in width. Its bay, or
harbor, is universally acknowledged to be one of the finest in
the world J being easy of access at all seasons of the year. A
number of small islands lie near, covered with the richest ver-
dure ; viz. : — Goat Island, directly opposite the town, which
was formerly garrisoned, but is at present in a dismantled and
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18 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
dilapidated state. The^ first fort erected on this island, was
built by the proceeds of the tenth, or King's part of the priva-
teers captured by him. Eose Island, once fortified, but now in
ruins. Cannonicut, lying west, on which is Fort Dumphng,
erected under the administration of the elder Adams, but never
occupied as a fortress ; with Prudence and Gould Island, at
the north, present a pleasing and highly picturesque scenery.
On the southern extremity, it is bounded by the broad At-
lantic, whose heaving billows, so grand and imposing, are every
way suited to convey a just impression of the power and majesty
of that Divine Being, who " directs the whirlwind and the
storm."
At its northern extremity stands out, in bold relief, Hog
Island, with Mount Haup in the distance, once the residence
of Philip, the King of the Wanpanouages.
On the north-east, a stone bridge, one-quarter of a mile long, .
connects the island with the main. At this point also, the
scenery is pleasing and attractive. The climate is salubrious,
and its soil rich and fertile ; producing every variety to be found
in northern latitudes. The island was once covered with" a
heavy growth of timber, at the period when the Indian was its
lawful proprietor, and the sound of the war-whoop rung
from out the forest, and reverberated through the vallies, and
his bow and arrows supplied him with deer and fowl, which
w^ere then abundant. Such is a faint sketch of this island, of
which Mr. Neal justly observes, p. 595, that it is deservedly
esteemed the Paradise of New England.
Dear Isle of my birth, sweetest gem of the sea,
Now summer revisits thy shore ;
My heart's best affection, turns fondly to thee,
Oh, when shall I greet thee once more 1"
THE SETTLEMENT OF THE ISLAND.
"We are now approaching a subject of deep and vital interest
to the inhabitants of the island. When our forefathers fled the
father- land, for the sake of enjoying liberty of conscience, and
to worship G-od in more scriptural simplicity, — this was the
motive which prompted them to forego the pleasures of kindred
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SETTLEMENT OF THE ISLAND. 19
and home, and cross the AtlantiCj and here, in this western
world, erect temples to the worship of Almighty God. And,
to the honor of the first settlers of this island, be it said, that
they possessed, in a much higher degree, the principles of civil
and rehgious liberty, than were to be found in any other portion
of New England. They had felt the strong arm of oppression
in their native land, and had no wish or desire to see it per-
petuated in their new home, which, alas, was too painfully
witnessed in many portions of the colonies. There was a
consistency in their beUef and practice, and to this day there is
to be found on the island more of a truly Eepublican spirit
than exists in other sections of New England. It is to be attri*
buted to the impress left by the original settlers of the island,
that this mark of distinction still exists. We shall have occa-
sion, as we advance in our work, to draw a contrast between
Clarke and Coddington with the settlers of other sections ; shew-
ing their great superiority, and the extent of their knowledge
in framing laws for the regulation of the settlement. "We shall
labor to avoid falling into a deep-rooted prejudice, and present
the truth in all its bearings, so far as the materials furnished
for a history will permit. It cannot, however, be disguised,
that full justice has never been awarded to these noble patriots,
whose devotion in the sacred cause of civil and rehgious free-
dom, has never been surpassed.
The decline of commerce on the island, owing in a great
measure to the calamities growing out of the American revolu-
tion, has thrown the ancient metropohs quite into the shade.
None has had the moral courage, and the patient industry, to
present her claims to the world as they justly deserve ; and
her history has consequently been almost lost. "We could
have wished that the task had devolved on some one better
qualified, and whose pecuniary means would have placed them
in a situation, to have done ample justice to the subject. But,
as no one has stepped forth, to rescue the events of the past
from oblivion, we have been constrained, from the strong attach-
ment which we hold to the place of our birth, to furnish the
world with such evidence of the past history of Newport, as is
to be obtained from records, and from tradition, which, we
flatter ourselves, will be both pleasing and acceptable to our
readers.
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20 HISTOUY OF UHODE ISLAND.
We find on the 711i day of March, 1637, the names of
eighteen men, who had taken up their residence oh Aquedneck,
now Hhode Island, viz. :
Wilham Ooddington, Thomas Savage,
John Clarke, WilHam .Dyre,
William Hutchinson, William Preeborne,
John Coggeshall, Phihp Shearman,
William Aspinwall, John Walker,
Samuel Wilbour, Eichard Carder,
John Porter, WiUiam Baulston,
John Sanford, Edward Hutchinson,
Edward Hutchinson, jun. Henry Bull,
E and all Houldon.
This last person, Eandall Houldon, we presume, soon left, as
we find his name not mentioned in the records, as being one of
the first proprietors of the island. These names were, however,
taken from a fac-simile in the author's possession.
The first settlement on the island, was commenced at its
northern extremity, where a town was regularly laid out, and
first named Pocasset, subsequently Portsmouth. It is that
part of the island known as New-Town. Hut so rapid was the
increase of the Colony, during the following summer, that it
was deemed advisable for their mutual prosperity, to commence
a settlement on some other part of the island. Accordingly, in
the following spring, Mr. Clarke, with several others, removed
to the south part of the island, and commenced a settlement in
or about what is now called Tanner-street, formerly jSTew-Town,
to which they gave the name of Newport. The island itself,
subsequently, by order of the G-eneral Court, was called the
Isle of Ehodes, or Ehode Island, in memory, as before remarked,
of that celebrated isle of the Mediterranean Sea. Both towns
wore united under the same simple patriarchal form of govern-
ment, of whichMr. Wilham Coddington was chosen magistrate,
or judge. A few months subsequently they chose Mr. John
Coggeshall, Nicholas Easton, and Wilham Brenton, to act as
his assistants. Mr. Coggeshall was descended from an ancient
and respectable family in England. He came to this country
with Mr. Coddington, in 1630, and was admitted a freeman of
the town of Boston in 1632. He was a member of the first
Board of Selectmen, of Boston, and represented the town in
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MR. CODDINGTON ELECTED GOVERNOR. 21
General Court in 1634-5-6, and the spring session of 1637, but
was disfranchised for conscience toward God, that same year.
His disfranchisement, with others, created great discontent
among his friends, which led to their removal, and finally to the
settlement of the -island. Mr. Ooggeshall enjoyed the confi-
dence of the colony of Ehode Island, and at the time of his
death, which occurred in 1647, he was President of the Colony.
He lies in the Coggeshall burial place, a little south of Newport.
The following is the inscription on his tombstone :
Here lieth the Body of
JOHN COGaESHALL, Sen., Esq.,
Who died, the First President of the Colony, the 27th of Novemher, 1647,
Aged about 56 years;
His descendants are still numerous on the island ; and many
of them are among our most respectable citizens. He was a
man of a large estate, known as Coggeshall Neck.
Mr. Coddington came to this country with Governor Hutch-
inson, having been appointed in 1629, by the British govern-
ment, one of the Assistants of the Massachusetts colony. He
engaged in mercantile business in Boston, and built the first
hrick house in that town. But, notwithstanding all the facilities
he there enjoyed of promoting his own temporal prosperity,
yet he chose to relinquish all of them, for the sake of rehgious
freedom. Accordingly, in 1638, with the beloved Clarke^ and
sixteen others, he left the colony of Massachusetts, and com-
menced the settlement of Ehode Island ; and was, by his com-
panions in tribulation, unanimously elected chief magistrate, or
Judge of the colony, which office he held until the island was
incorporated with Prudence and Warwick. In 1651, he was
appointed by the supreme authority of England, Governor of
the island, pursuant to a power reserved in the patent, by which
the island became again separated from the Providence Planta-
tion, which we shall have occasion to speak of more fully. But
the people, jealous of their rights, and fearful that their freedom
might be endangered, dispatched Mr. "WiUiams and Mr. Clarke
to England, to have it revoked. On receiving due notice from
England, Mr. Coddington surrendered up his commission, and
retired into private life, when the island again became united
with the Plantation. Mr. Coddington was again elected
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22 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
G-overnor of the colony in 1674-75, and 1678, in which year he
died, aged 78 years. He is said to have been a man of pro-
found learning, and assisted in framing the body of laws, which
has been the basis of our Constitution and government ever
since.
Governor Coddington was interred in the family burial place,
which, at his death, he gave the Society of Priends in Farewell-
street, just south of the North Baptist meeting-house. The
freemen of Newport, in town meeting, August 30th, 1836, ap-
pointed a committee to repair the monument at the head of the
grave of this distinguished friend and advocate of civil and
religious freedom. His likeness, which is still in good preser-
vation, shews him to have been a most elegant and accomphshed
gentleman.
It may be instructive to read the laws passed by our ances-
tors, on the subject of religion. But every good man and lover
of his country, blushes at the superstition, bigotry, and intoler-
ance, with which they were too often tainted. Need we refer
to history ? Let us look for a moment to the pilgrim fathers,
to the colony at Plymouth. Speaking of them, a judicious
writer observes :
" Much as we respect that noble spirit which enabled them
to part with their native soil — by some held dearer than friends,
relatives, or children, and by every generous bosom preferred
even to hfe itself, — we must condemn the proceedings which
ensued. In the first moment when they began to taste of
Christian liberty themselves, they forgot that others had a right
to the same enjoyment. Some of the colonists, who had not
emigrated through motives of religion, retaining a high venera-
tion for the. ritual of the English church, refused to join the
colonial state establishment, and assembled separately to wor-
ship. But their objections were not suffered to pass unnoticed,
nor unpunished. Endicott called before him the two principal
offenders, and though they were men of respectability, and
amongst the number of original patentees, he expelled them
from the colony, and sent them home in the first ship returning
to England. Had this inquisitorial usurpation been no further
exercised, some apology, or at least palUation, might be framed.
More interesting and painful consequences, however, not long
afterwards, resulted. The very men who had countenanced
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INTOLERANT PHOCEEDINGS IN RELIGION 23
this violation of Christian duties, lived to see their descendants
excluded from church communion ; to behold their grand-
children, the smiling infants at the breast, denied the sacred
right of baptism !" * * *
Coddington, an eminent merchant of Boston, was banished,
for holding what they conceived to be erroneous sentiments,
and for favoring the views of Mrs. Hutchinson.
<' The first general court was held at Gharlestown, on board
the Bh.\Y> Arabella. A law was passed, declaring that none
should be admitted as freemen, or be entitled to any share in
the government, or even to serve as jurymen, except those who
had been received as members of the church ; by which mea-
sure^ every person whose mind was not of a particular structure^
or accidentally impressed ivith peculiar ideaSj %das at once cast
out of society^ and stripped of his civic rights.
'' In 1656, a number of Quakers, having arrived from England
and Barbadoes, and given offence to the clergy of the estab-
lished church, by the novelty of their rehgion, at that time,
certainly, a little extravagant, were imprisoned, and by the first
opportunity sent away. A law was then made, which prohib-
ited masters of vessels from bringing any Quakers into Massa-
chusetts, and themselves from coming there, under a penalty,
in case of a return from banishment, as high as death. In con-
sequence of this several were hanged. Toleration was preached
against, as a sin in rulers, that would bring down the judgment
of heaven upon the land. Mr. Dudley died with a copy of
verses in his pocket, of which the two following lines make a
part :
' Let men of God, in court and cliurclies watcli,
O'er such as do a toleration hatch.'
The Anabaptists w^ere the next object of persecution. Many
were disfranchised, and some banished."
American Quarterly Review^ June, 1835.
The principles which governed the early settlers of the island
of Ehode Island, embraced all of every sect, whether Jew or
G-entile.
The last of the original purchasers and proprietors of this
island, was Henry Bull, Esq., who died in 1693, aged 84 years.
He held various public offices in the colony, from its first settle-
ment, until a few years before his death. He was Governor of
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24 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
the colony in 1685, after which, being at a very advanced age,
he rehnquished pubhc employment, to end his days in domestic
peace ; but after the revolution in England, the colony charter
having been vacated, and Ehode Island put under the grant of
Sir Edmund Andros, who held it until the spring of 1689 ; he
was induced again to come forward into public life, thereby
shewing a moral courage which was wanting in others.
The house erected by Governor Bull, in Newport, is of stone,
and still standing on the east side of Spring-street, near the
junction of Broad-street. It was, in 1642, used as a place of
defense against the attacks of the Indians.
Governor Bull lies buried in the Ooddington burial place,
where a plain and unostentatious slab, points the passing
stranger to the spot where sleep the mouldering ashes of this
bold and fearless patriot. His descendants are now in posses-
sion of the patrimonial estate of their ancestor.
The character of the men who have already been brought
into view, proves them to have been actuated by the best mo-
tives, in their attempts to found this colony. They recognized
a superintending Providence, as will appear in the original
charter of the American Isle of Ehodes :
" We, whose names are underwritten, do swear, solemnly, in
the presence of the Great Jehovah, to incorporate ourselves into
a body politic ; and He shall help us, — will submit our persons,
lives, and estates, unto the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of
kings, and Lord of lords ; and to all those perfect laws of
bis, given us in his most holy word of truth, to be guided and
judged thereby.
(" Signed,)
Wilham Ooddington, Eichard Carder,
John Clarke, William Baulston,
William Dyre, Edward Hutchinson,
William Freeborn, Wilham Hutchinson,
Phihp Shearman, Henry Bull,
John Walker, John Coggeshall."
Samuel Wilbour,
And six others, whose names have already been mentioned.
Such were the principles, and such the sentiments, which dis-
tinguished the men, ivho first 'planted civil and rehgious liberty
ill this -western world. We shall have occasion to dwell more
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THE PURCHASE OF THE ISLAND.
25
at length on the dignity of their character, as we progress in
the history of the island. The subject opens a wide field for
reflection. It proves what men are capable of doing, under the
influence of moral and christian principles.
Their object in coming to this continent was not merely to
acquire gain^ as is too apt to be the case with all adventurers,
lut rather to establish a refuge from persecution, where each
siioald have the liberty of enjoying his opinion without fear ;
and even at this day, after a period of more than two centuries,
there is possessed by the inhabitants of the island, more liberty
than is enjoyed by any other portion of the State. The cause
we saall attempt to show by and by, which will convince the
mind of the impartial reader^ that the position here assumed is
correct.
THE PUEOHASE OF THE ISLAND.
Without adverting to this subject, it would look as though
the early settlers took possession of it by conquest, without
affording the native Indians any remuneration for their lands.
But so far from this, they actually purchased the island, as will
appear by the r-eceipt given by the two Sacems •:
''^ 22nd November, 1639.
'' Eeceived by me, Miantunomu, of Mr. William Goddington,
and his friends united, twenty and three coats, and thirteen
hoes, to be distributed to the Indians that do inhabit the island
of Aquedneck, in full of all promises, debts, and demands, for
the said island, as also two-torkepes.
^^ In the conveyance on
my book.
Witness,
Amempsucke,
Wampaminaqaitt. '^
1
" Mian
Can
TUNOMTT.
NONICUS.'
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26 HISTORY OF EHODE ISLANB.
" A true copy of the originalj entered, and recorded by me^
" John Sanford, Kecordery
[Colony Eecords.]
" The 11th of May, 1639^ Eeceived by me^ Miantunomu^ (as
a gratuity,) of Mr. Coddington, and his friends united, for my
pains and travel, in removing the natives off the island of Aqued-
neck, ten fathoms of wampum peage, and one broad-clo^.h
coat,
^^ Mian I tunomu.'^
" A true copy of the originalj entered^ and recorded by
" John Sanforb^ Recorder J"^
" June 20th, 1639, Eeceived of Mr.Wilham Coddington, and
of his friends united, in full satisfaction of ground broken up^
or any other title or claim whatsoever, formerly had of the
island of Aquedneck^ the full sum of five fathoms of wampum
peage.
" WoNiMENATONy, ^ his mark.'^
" Witness, \
Wm. Cowling, >
Eichard 8 a well." 5
" A true copy of the original, entered, and recorded by me^
" John Banford, Recoi^der,'^''
The other seventeen joint purchasers of Aquedneck, whose
names are mentioned, expressed their dissatisfaction that the
Indian title to the island of Ehode Island, stood in the name of
Wilham Coddington, and to pacify them, he executed an
instrument, giving them an equal share with himself Mr.
Coddington had no selfish wish to gratify :
" I, the said "William Coddington, Esq., have no more in the
purchase of right, than either of the purchasers or freemen
received, or shall be received in by them^ but only for my own
proportion.
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PURCHASE OF THE ISLAND. 27
"In witness hereof, I have pnt to my hand, this 14th of
April, 1652.
'^ William 'Coddington "
" Signed in the presence of,
Eobert Knight,
George Muning.'
of, •\
light, V
unin^." 5
" A true copy of the original, entered, and recorded the 7th
of April, 1673.
^' John Sanford, Recorder. ^^
[Colony Eecords.]
We think that great injustice has been done the aborigines of
this country : whether our fathers view^ed them as inferiors,
and undeserving of their respect and kindness, it is self evident
that their conduct has been unbecoming, and every way calcu-
lated to foster revenge in the breast of the red men of the forest.
They are a noble race, and their conduct would often put to
the blush civihzed man, who stoops to acts of meanness which
would, not be tolerated for a moment in savage life. Their
sufferings have been great; driven from the homes of their
fathers, and compelled to take up their abode in a strange land,
so affected them with the deepest anguish, as to prove that
their sympathies are as great, and their susceptibihties of right
as keen as those of ours.
To the praise of the settlers of the island, they were never
hostile to the Indians, as were some of the colonists, w^hich we
shall have occasion to notice. It should be remembered that
they were the rightful owners of the soil, while we have usurped
it. Never do we look on the countenance of the Indian, with-
out reverence and respect, for they are nature's noblemen ; but
it has ever been with the '' pale faces," agreeably with the
seutiments of the poet Wordsworth :
" The good old plan, —
That they should get who have the power,
And they should keep who can."
Of the original settlers of the island, we find that William
Hutchinson died on the island. The other Hutchinson, Aspin-
wall, and Savage, went back and got reconciled to the Massa-
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28 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
chusetis colony. In March, 1641, Carder, Houlden, and Porter
were disfranchised. E, Houlder settled in "Warwick ; from him
have descended the numerous family of Houldens in this
State.
Nicholas Easton arrived in Kew England, with his two sons.
May 14th, 1634. He first settled at Ipswich, and was a deputy
to the General Court. The next year he removed to New-
burg, and afterwards to Hampton, where he built the first
house. In 1638, in consequence of the religious intolerance,
he removed to Ehode Island, and settled in Portsmouth. The
next year he removed to Newport, where he built the first
house. It stood where the house now stands belonging to the
heirs of the late Jonathan Southwick, in Farewell-street. As
late as 1641, the Indians burnt the house of Nicholas Easton,
on Lord's day, by kindling a fire on his lands. It alarmed the
people, and, among other measures, they fitted out an armed
hoat^ to ply round the island, to prevent the Indians from land'
ing. They likewise appointed garrison houses, to which the
people were to repair on an alarm. But the rupture lasted
not long, before peace was restored.
Nicholas Easton and his two sons, Peter and John, on their
way to the south part of the island, in a boat, landed on a small
island, which they called Coaster's Harbor.
Mr. Easton and Mr. Clarke were appointed to write to Mr.
Yane, and direct him about the obtaining of a patent of the
island from his Majesty. The neck of land by Mr. Easton's
house, was ordered to be sufficiently fenced, and to remain as a
common field belonging to the town. Governor Easton died
in 1675.
John Easton was the son of Governor Nicholas Easton, who
came to Ehode Island with his father and brother, soon after
the settlement, as before remarked. He was, for fifteen years,
Attorney- General of the Colony. In 1674 and 1675, he was
elected Deputy- Governor. He died on the 12th December,
1705, aged 88 years, and was buried in the Coddington burial-
place. The family have been highly respectable, and, until
within a few years, quite numerous. Governor Easton was an
extensive landholder, and some of the original property is now
in the possession of his descendants.
We have already observed, that the settlement of Newport
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LAYING OUT THE TOWN. 29
began in what is now called Tanner-street, and extended
through to Marlborough-street. Here stood G-overnor Cod-
dington's house, one of the oldest, and which remained until
within a few years, when it was unfortunately pulled down,
much to the regret of many of the present inhabitants. It
should have been preserved, as a memento of the past.
There was a degree of generosity displayed, in laying out
the town, as we learn from the records :
" At a General meeting it was ordered, that the home allot-
ments shall be four acres apiece, laid out conveniently where
the ground affords, and that Mr. Coddington shall have six
acres for an orchard."
The original estate of Governor Coddington, in Newport,
embraced all the land between Malborough, Farewell, North
Baptist, and Thames streets. His mansion stood in Mal-
borough, fronting Duke-street.
■' It was ordered that the town shall be laid out, and built
on both sides of the Spring, and by the sea-side southward,"
(now Thames street.)^ This spring runs through Tanner-street,
a little below the jail, and empties into the harbor. The source
of this river is Vaughn's Pond, a little north-west of Broad-
street. At one period it flowed so rapid as to propel a water
mill, which was erected within eight years of the formation of
the settlement, in what is now known as Malborough-street.
One of the mill-stones lays in front of the steps to the house of
the late Benjamin Pierce, Esq. This portion of the town was
originally a swamp, and the flow of water, within the memory
of some of the older inhabitants, was much more abundant than
at the present time.
As the town increased in population, improvements continued
to be made, in the way of filhng up and making land. The
flow of the ocean at the first settlement, extended north of Elm-
street on the Point. Bridge-street is made land, as is also
"Washington to Bridge. Before the extension of the long-
wharf, and the south part of Washington-street was made, it
was an open passage to the Gove. G-ravelly Point was then
surrounded by water.
Vessels of ninety, and even one hundred tons were formerly
built in the Cove. Subsequently, the ingress and egress to
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30 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
and from tlae Cove, was through a drawbridge, tw^enty-six feet
wide. It is now only navigable for small boats.
It was the intention, originally, to have made Thames-street?
equal in width to the houses which stand back from the street,
viz. : the Atkinson, Cotton, &c. ; why they encroached on the
street to its present narrow limits, no good and sufficient
reason can be offered.
" 1640, — ^Eev. Eobert Lenthel, was, by a vote, called to keep
a public school for the learning of youth, and for his encourage-
ment, there was granted him and his heirs, one hundred acres
of land, and four more for a house lot, in Newport. It was
also voted, that one hundred acres should be laid forth, and
appropriated for a school, for encouragement of the poorer sort
to train up their youth in learning ; and Mr. Lenthel, while he
continues to teach school, is to have the benefit thereof"
Thus, at an early period, the reader will perceive, that the
attention of the first settlers was directed to the subject of
education. Children were not permitted to grow up '' like the
wild ass's colt," without moral culture, and to pay no deference
and respect to their superiors in age, and in knowledge. With
all the means and facilities of education, now enjoyed, there is
evidently a want of attention to the moral qualities of the mind,
which alone make the good man and the good citizen.
In May, 1650, the Legislature, by the following act, first
created the offices of Attorney and Solicitor-Greneral of the
Colony, viz : —
"It is ordered that this Court appoint one Attorney- General
for the Colony, as also a Solicitor. That the Attorney- General
shall have full power to implead any transgression of the State,
in any court in the State, but especially to bring all such mat-
ters of penal laws, to the trial of the General Court of trials, as
also for the trial of the officers of the State, at the General
Assemblies ; and to implead, in full power and authority of the
free people of this State, their prerogatives and liberties ; and
because envy, the cut-throat of all prosperity, will not fail to gal-
Zo/:>with its full career, let the'said Attorney be faithfully engaged,
and authorized, and encouraged, engaged for the people, by, or in
the people's name, and with their full authority assisted, authorized
that upon information of transgressions and transgressors of the
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APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEY AND SOLICITOR-GENERAL. 31
lawSj prerogatives, and liberties of the people, and these penal
laws, he shall underhand and seal, take forth summons from the
President or Gleneral Assistant, to command any dehnquent,
or vehemently suspected of delinquency, in what kind soever,
according to the premises, to appear at the General Court, if
it be thereunto belonging, or to the General Assembly in those
matters proper thereunto ; and if any refuse to appear at that
mandamus, in the State of England's name, and the people of
this State, he shall be judged guilty, and so proceeded against
by fine and penalty.
" It is ordered, that in case of prohibitions, (any concerning
guns, powder^ lead, &c,, it being proved that such and such, or
any one, had a gun, &c.,) or the Solicitor, honajide^ in his own
knowledge, do know or can swear, &c,, that such a one was pos-
sessed of a gun, &c., as his own proper goods, and upon demand
of the Solicitor, cannot produce or cannot give a good account
of what has become of it, before one or two persons, or the
Attorney, he shall be judged guilty of the breach of the law, and
,to be accordingly dealt withal ; and that the law^ shall extend to
inquiry, especially to guns and other prohibitions, as powder,
shot, lead, wine, or liquors, that hath been merchandized or con-
veyed away to the Indians, since the law made on that subject.'^
And the people, by general ticket, elected in May, 1650,
William Dyre, Attorney- General, and Hugh Burt, Solicitor-
General.
Mr. Dyre was one of the original settlers, and owned the
farm north of Easton's Point, at present owned by Charles
Hunter, Esq., of the TJ, S. N. Mr, Dyre was highly re-
spected for his talents, which is clearly shown by his appoint-
ment to so important an office as that of Attorney- General of the
Colony. He also held a commission from the English Govern-
ment, as Surveyor and Searcher- General. His commission ex-
tended to ISTew-York,
Mr. Dyre, in the active part which he took with Wm. Cod-
dington, in advocating and justifying the separation of the
Islands from the Plantation, incurred the hatred and the dis-
pleasure of the people in that section. But there was no just
and valid cause, why he should be charged with a ^' want of
public spirit, and being ruined by party purposes," in his adhe-
ranee to Mr. Ooddington, He no doubt acted conscientiouslyy
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32 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLANB
as did Mr. Ooddington, believing in the then present conditions
of affairs, that it would prove for the interest of the Islands to
maintain a separate and distinct form of government.
The jealousy of the Plantations^ was, however, awakened,
and it called forth the indignation of some of the leaders^ 2.^
appears by Staple's " History of Providence," who looked on
the measure as a gross insult offered to the people of the North.
Mr. Dyre felt called upon to uphold a government with such
an aSZe leader as OoddingtoDy a man of unblemished reputation,
and whose reasons for his course of conduct, were founded on
the immutable principle of right.
And whatever invidious reflections may be cast on the meas-
ures of these men, it will only recoil on the heads of those who
made them. The charge preferred against Mr, Dyre being
actuated by sinister motives, had no doubt its rise in that feel-
ing of jealousy before mentioned, which existed between the
Plantations and the Islands, which were independent, and which
owed no allegiance, only to the Prince.
There is but one male descendant of Mr. Byre, now living m,
Newport. It will be seen that the manner of spelhng the name
is different from those in other parts of the State, which shows
that there was no connection between them.
Mr. Byre's grave is to be found on the Byre farm, for by
that name it has always been known, as the inhabitants of New-
port respect and venerate antiquity.
It was ordered that '^ Persicus, the Indian Sachem, shall have
liberty to get as many chesnut bush, upon the commons of the
Island, as may cover him a wigwam." How humiliating the
thought, that the once rightful owners of the island, must now
supplicate for permission from the " new-comers," for materials
to cover them from the pelting storm ! But these vicissitudes are
of every day occurrence, and teach a salutary lesson of the un-
certainty of all terrestrial things.
In 1651, the inhabitants, on the main, refused submission to
Ooddmgton's goTernment.
THE ISLAND INDEPENDENT.
Before we proceed to notice this event, we will go back a lit-
tle, and show the reader the position which the Island occu-
pied from the settlement in 1638, to 1644
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THE ISLAND INDEPENDENT. 33
^'The towns of Portsmouth and Newport, erected their own
separate governments, independent of that of the Plantations,
and there was no pohtical connection between them from the
settlement in 1638 to 1644, and during these six years they were
independent governments, free from every other power but the
mother country. During this period, they enacted many laws,
which were the foundation of the future statues and bill of
rights, which distinguished the earl}^ laws and character of the
State and people of Rhode Island, from the other English
Colonies in America. Por when the government of the Island
was united with the Providence Plantations, by the Charter of
1643, and in G-eneral Assembly they enacted, laws for the Colony
of Ehode Island and Providence Plantations, the town of Pro-
vidence instructed their commissioners to hold correspondence
with the whole Colony, ' in the model that hath been lately shown
unto us by our worthy friends of the Island.' And it appears
that the plan of the government was formed by the people of
the Island, and shown to those of Providence, who agreed to
adopt them ; and thus from the legislation of the people of the
Island, the free institutions emanated."
This being an estabhshed fact, " that the plan of government
formed by the people of the Island," and subsequently adopted
by the Plantations, was a virtual admission of the profound wis-
dom, which dwelt in the minds of the Islanders ; and proves in
a word, any or every attempt made to engraft new principles,
conflicting with those which they held as most sacred and bind-
ing, should be resisted at every hazard by the people of the
Island, as they valued their peace, liberty and happiness.
The legislative acts, many of which seem to approximate to
the former hlue laws of Connecticut, and which is in direct con-
flict with the letter and spirit of the laws which originated from
the Island, and which were made the basis of the government of
the State, has led us to doubt the propriety of ever having
formed an alliance with the Plantations after the Island had
once become independent. For however ^tolerant the Island
may be in the execution of laws, associated and confederated
as they are with the Plantations, involves them in the disgrace
and obloquy of sanctioning such arbitrary measures as are in
force in the Plantations.
To obviate the difficulty as far as possible, the Islanders
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34 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
should instruct their representatives in General Assembly, to
oppose every law introduced into that body, which has the least
appearance of despotism, and as aiming to subvert and to over-
throw the rights and liberties of the people ; and in case of their
not doing it, and making it imperative on their legislators to act
in accordance with the principles of their fathers, they in fact
become a party concerned in upholding such tyrannical and un-
just measures, which are at war with every principle of moral
right.
ENCOURAGEMENT OF SETTLERS.
The proprietors, to encourage the settlement of the Island,
sold out at a small price, and on easy terms, to such as were in-
clined to build and to whom they saw fit to admit to ownership
of the soil. Those whom they considered turbulent aud unruly,
they would not admit to " ownership, or to exercise the privi-
leges of freemen." Avery proper precaution, and calculated to
avoid much evil. The spirit which animated the minds of the
early settlers of the Island, was enlarged and liberal, and
prompted them to render aid and assistance to all worthy per-
sons who desired to take up their abode with them.
In March, 1641, in General Assembly, it was determined
unanimously, that this government was a Democracy, saving
only the right of the king. And it was ordered that none be ac-
counted a delinquent for doctrines, provided it be not repugnant
to government estabhshed, which was again confirmed at the
next General Court, as follows :
'' It is ordered that the law of the last Court, made concern-
ing conscience, in point of doctrine, be perpetuated."
Mr. Bull says : " This appears to be the first act allowing
every man free to act and advocate what religious opinions he
chooses, and which has highly distinguished the State of Ilhode
Island."
The principles adf)pted by Clark and Coddington operated
like leaven in diffusing itself through the minds of the masses,
and was the neucleus^ out of which ultimately sprang the Declar-
ation of American Independence, and the freedom of the Colonies
British misrule and oppression.
It has been already remarked that the Island had a separate
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A SEAL FOR THE STATE. 35
form of government for six years. It then become "anited with
the Plantations, but in 1657, WilHam Coddington went to Eng-
land and procured a commission constituting him Governor, for
life, of Ehode Island, of Oann anient, and Prudence, and these
islands again became separated from the towns on the main
land. This continued for three years, when they again became
united,
A SEAL FOR THE STATE.
A Seal was ordered to be provided for the State, viz., the
goyernment of the islands, with the device of a sheaf of arrows
bound up with a motto : " Amorvincit omnia.''^ Love conquers
every thing,
"In General Court, held at Newport, Sept. 17th, 1641, it
was ordered that if any person or persons on the Island, whether
freeman or inhabitant, shall by any means, open or covert, en-
deavor to bring any other power than what is here estabhshed,
except it be from our prince, by lawful commission, shall be
accounted a dehnquent under the head of perjury."
The inhabitants living on islands, and consequently being iso-
lated, and generally danish in their views and feehngs, and more
opposed to innovations of every form, than those who live on
the main, practices which originated with the early settlers have
been transmitted down to the present generation. The inhabi-
tants of Newport have felt a reverence for their ancestors which
rendered them remarkably sensitive in relation to changes of
evey kind, and it is evidence of stability of character which we
hope to see perpetuated. "We are aware that in this age o^ pro-
gress^ it 'is thought sensible to disdain conventional rules, and
long established usages of antiquity, and to substitute a licen-
tious course of pohcy, baptized by the sacred name of Liberty,
and thus open wide the floodgates of anarchy and misrule, which
will ultimately overwhelm us in an avalanche of desolation. To
dissent from the popular opinions of the day, would be to place
ourselves in battle array with the march of improvement, and
consequently subject us to the anathemas and reproaches of the
new lights of the age, whose vanity has become so much inflated
as to render it almost presumptuous to differ from them.
A certain class of men and mind make the '' nineteenth cen-
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36 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
tury,'' a frequent topic of eulogistical declamation, not only com-
mon^ place, but even disgusting to our feelings. " Surfeiting is
one of the effects of profusion,"
The spirit which animated our fathers, show that they valued
their rights, and the rights of the Colonies, and were disposed
to come forward in the hour of exigency, and bare their bosom
to the storm, while others with far greater resources, held back
through a servile fear, ^' 'For when the Colonies of New-Ply-
mouth, and New Haven, shrunk from the war, unless Massachu-
setts would ■ support them, which she refused to do, the httle
island of Ehode Island, threw herself into the breach, and took
upon herself the responsibihty of authorizing in her name, the
defence of Long Island against the Dutch and Indians.''
Such was the spirit which tired the heart and nerved the arm
of our ancestors, and which God grant may be revived in their
descendants, and not forever extinguished.
Newport, though settled last of the three, had arrived, in the
space of eight years, to a degree of wealth and strength as
to be equal with the other two. Many houses had been built
at that time, and some wharves, and commercial pursuits on a
small scale had been entered into.
^' The trade and business of the town, at first, was very httle
and inconsiderable, consisting of a little corn, pork, and tobacco,
sent to Boston, for a few European and other goods, they could
not subsist without, and all at the mercy of the traders
thereto. At present there are above one hundred sail of vessels
belonging to the town, God grant, that as we increase in num-
bers and riches, we may not increase in sin and wickedness :
but that we may rather be led by the divine goodness to
reform whatever may have been amiss, or wanting among us."
Callender'^s Historical Discourse.
1654. — ^This year there was a schismi in the Baptist Church,
in Newport, — some of the brethren embracing the opinion that
laying on of hands was necessary for all baptized persons.
1656. — This year, some of the people called Quakers came to
this colony, being persecuted and abused in the other colonies,
and many of the principal inhabitants embraced their doctrines,
among whom were "William Coddington, Nicholas Easton, and
his two sons ; Phihp Shearman, Adam Matt, and many
others.
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37
In 1657, tlie island of Oonnanicutj or Quaonoquet, was pur-
chased of the Indians. Koskotep, one of the Narragansett
Sachems, sells to Thomas Gould, of Newport, Aguspemokick,
or Gould Island.
1696.— This year, Coaster's Harhor and Goat Island was
conveyed to the town of Newport, for the sum of ten pounds,
by Benedict. Arnold; he having purchased them some years
before of the Indians.
Conskuet, or Eose Island, (the latter name derived from the
abundance of wild roses, which once grew on the island,) was
purchased of Mausup, an Indian Sachem, by Peleg Sanford, of
Newport. It afterwards became the property of the Giddards,
on the Point, and was finally sold by Thomas Giddard, Esq.,
to the general government, for the sum of $1500.
In 1658, at a General Court of Commissioners, an act was
passed, declaring the prison building, in Newport, should be
the prison for the whole colony.
On the 18th of May, an act was passed, to receive peage^
(Indian money,) eight for a penny, in payment of all cost of
court.
MASSACHUSETTS' INTOLERANCE AND CRUELTY.
In 1660, IVIary Dyre, of Ehode Island, one of the people
called Quakers, having returned to Boston, contrary to the
tyrants^ orders, was pubhcly executed on the 1st of June,
agreeably to her former sentence. Mary Dyre was the wife of
William Dyre, one of the eighteen associates who first came to
Ehode Island. Before their removal from Massachusetts, she
was a milliner in Boston, and one of the principal followers of
the famous Mrs. Hutchinson.
The year previous, (the 20th of October,) Wilham Eobinson,
and Marjiiaduke Stephenson, received sentence of death, which
was executed upon them the 27th of June. At that time, Mary
Dyre was brought with them to the gallows ; but at the inter-
cession of her son, of Newport, and others, she was reprieved,
and sent away. Feehng it to be her duty to visit her friends,
she returned again the next spring, and, as the reader has
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38 HISTOHY OF RHODE ISLAND.
been already informed, she was executed under the sanction of
men who dare call themselves Christians. She died, however^
in the triumph of faith, feeling conscious that she had done
nothing " worthy to warrant such a course of procedure
towards her,''
If there is one spot more than another, where the principles
of liberty of conscience should be cherished, it is Newport.
Eor, when we reflect on the baseness of Massachusetts, in thus
putting to death their own citizens, merely for conscience' sake,
it is calculated to arouse into action every power of the human
mind, to put down intolerance for opinion's sake. Much has
been said and written in favor of puritanical measures. The
Roundheads of Cromwell's time have been eulogized, and the
Cavaliers condemned. Bat the spirit which could influence
such barbarity, must be nearly alHed to the inhabitants of the
'^'^^^." These men left the mother-country for conscience'' sake,
and came to America, where they could enjoy civil and religious
liberty. But what kind of conscience did they possess ? The
india-rubber kind, which can contract, as easily as expand ; for,
if they had been sincere in their professions of love to the
cause of righteousness, free toleration would have been allowed
to all who came w^ithin their jurisdiction. But^ assuming them-
selves to be right, they stood ready to inflict punishment on all
w^ho were unprepared to sanction and approve of their bigoted
views. The religion established was Congregational, which, in
theory, w^as Democratic, but^ in practice, Aristocratical, and
opposed to the principle of civil and rehgious freedom. And
too much of the same ungodly spirit exists at the present day,
though not permitted to. be carried out to its full measure»
Mary Byre, and those associated with her^ had been guilty of
no crime ; they had never opposed wholesome laws, but in
matters of conscience touching God, they felt that they had a
perfect right to w^orship Him, agreeably to their views of
Christian duty ; and in this they were correct. It will ever be
a stigma of reproach on Massachusetts, for suffering such
high-handed wickedness against the subjects of another colony.
Let Newport rejoice in the names of her former legislators,
who held to no restrictions in matters of religion, but left to
each individual the liberty of forming his own views of rehgious
truth and duty. Tyranny can never vegetate on the soil, which
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MIDDLETOWN ASYLUM. 39
has been consecrated bj the prayers of a Clarke and a Ood-
dington.
The period of the transfer of what is now Providence, bears
the same date, 1638, with the deed of this island, and the
ownership of the land commenced at the same time. But
government and laws were established by those of the island,
seven months and one day sooner than at Providence. Ports-
mouth had admitted, or added to, the eighteen who first incor-
porated themselves, thirty other heads of families as settlers,
whose names appear on the records, making forty-eight, and
before the last of December following, twenty-nine more were'
admitted.
The first quarterly meeting of Friends in New England, and
probably in America, was held at the house of Grovernor Ood-
dington, before their meeting-house w^as erected. In 1700, the
yearly meeting was then established at Newport, where it has
ever since continued ; and no situation is better adapted for it
than Newport.
There was at the first settlement but two towns on the
island, Portsmouth and Newport; but in 1743, Middletown
was set off from Newport. This is a fine farming town, and
produces a large amount for the Newport market. This town
has an asylum, with " one acre of ground for the poor. It is
occupied and improved by a family, who contract to board
such of the poor as the overseers may think proper. A part
of them receive pensions, and live with their friends or relatives.
The town council are the overseers of the poor.
'' The town receives an annuity of $40, given by the late
Andrew Preebody, for the relief of the poor. About $400
was paid for the support of the poor the past year."
In 1640, Samuel Gorton, who came to Ehode Island, in June
1638, was, on some contention, banished from the island.
Samuel Gorton came to this country from London. In one
of his printed works, he adds to his name the appellation of
^' Gentleman." In one conveyance he styles himself '' Citizen of
London, clothier," and in another, ^^ Professor of the mysteries
of Christ." He landed in Boston in 1636, and from that place
removed in a short time to Plymouth. Here it seems his hetero-
doxy in religion was first discovered, and he was complained of
and required to find sureties, and fined. Prom Plymouth, Gor-
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40 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
ton removed to Bhode Island, and shortly after settled' in "War-
wick. In 1642 lie was seized by Massachusetts' forces, and was
confined in prison. After his release, he returned to Ehode
Island, and then went to England and preferred a memorial re-
specting his treatment, against Massachusetts. In 1646, he
came back to Ehode Island and settled in Warwick.
His rehgious opinions were peculiar. It is impossible, per-
haps, for anyone at this day, fully to comprehend them. During
his hfe they w^ere the subject of much speculation. That he was
an enthusiast in his rehgious opinions, there can be no doubt.
*' A real come-outer, in its true sense." Of the private history
of Gorton, very little can be gleaned even from tradition. The
following is from the manuscript itinerary of the late Dr. Stiles :
^' I visited a Mr. Angel, aged eighty, born October 18th, 1691, a
plain, blunt spoken man, of right old Enghsh frankness. He is not
a Quaker, nor Baptist, nor Presbyterian, but a Gortonist, and the
only one I have seen. G-orton lives only in him, his only disciple
left. He says he knew of no other, and that he is alone. He
gave me an account of Gorton's disciples, first and last, and
showed me some of Gorton's printed books, and some of his
manuscripts.
" He said Gorton had beat down all outward ordinances of
baptism and the Lord's Supper, with unanswerable demonstra-
tion. That Gorton preached in London, in Ohver's time, and
had a church and living of £500 a year offered him, but he be-
lieved no sum would have tempted him to take a farthing for
preaching. He was at the head of a sect called Gortonians, now
extinct— it did not, as the reader will perceive long survive him."
— Extract from Sta2ole's Gorton.
Though it has been said that he was not " intolerant towards
those who differed from him," yet we should rather infer that
there must have been something very peculiar, to have led our
fathers to have banished him from their jurisdiction. They
w^ere eminently tolerant, and favored the largest hberty, where
it did not conflict with the rights of others. A man of Gorton's
temperament, and strongly biased in favor of his own peculiar
notions of rehgion, would naturally lead him to obtrude, his dog-
mas on the minds of others, however unpleasant it might be ;
and as our fathers studied peace, and wished no malcontents to
remain among them, is the propable cause of his banishment.
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FIEST INSOLVENCY. 41
It is highly probable that he possessed the spirit which now ani-
mates the ultras of the present day, who prefer to rule in h-1,
than serve in heaven. On no other ground can we reconcile his
banishment from the island.
In 1638, Wilham Baulston was authorized to set up a house
of entertainment for strangers, and also to brew beer, and sell
wine and s^ron^ waters. Our fathers would be condemned, in
this day of light and knowledge, by a class of fanatics, as being
destitute of moral principle, in thus favoring the sale of an article
which goes to destroy the bodies and the souls of men.
But it ^proves them to have been men of common sense, in
regulating the sale of an article which they well knew would be
used. And to the credit of Newport, there has been far less
fanaticism and intolerance on this, as well as on other moral
questions, than is to be found in any portion of New-England.
Newport has continued, dovv^n to the present day, the sale of
spiritous liquors, and without flattery, we challenge the country
to produce a more sober and moral community, with a popu-
lation of nearly ten thousand, than is to be found in the ancient
metropohs. Jefferson's motto was, that ''that government is
best which governs least." But this motto was designed to
apply to the attempts of legislators to cure the moral and intel-
lectual evils of society. So far as these attempts are concerned,
the less legislation the better.
FIRST INSOLVENCY.
John Luther, a carpenter, having absconded from the island,
and being found indebted to several persons, it was ordered
that " Mr. Brenton and Mr. Coggeshall, shall take possession of
his effects, and shall satisfy his creditors as far as it shall go."
They generally, at the present time, take their effects with them,
or the proceeds, and thus leave their creditors minus. The age,
however, is one of improvement.
" It was ordered that all the sea-banks is free for fishing to
the town of Newport." This right was acknowledged to the
people under the charter of king Charles II., and preserved in
the constitution which is now the fundamental law of the State.
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42 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
And no proprietor of land has the legal right to prohibit the
inhabitants from the enjoyment of the privilege. It is a great
pubhc blessing.
June. — It was ordered at a general meeting, that a house for
a prison, twelve feet in length and ten in breadth, should be
built. Would to God that its hmited dimensions could have
continued. But as population increased, selfishness became pre-
dominant, and as a natural consequence, immorality and crime
succeeded, until it was found expedient to enlarge the prisons.
In 1772, the present county jail in Newport, was built. It is
a substantial brick edifice. The building committee was Oliver
Eing "Warner. It is pleasantly located in Malborough street.
The inmates who are so unfortunate as to be found within its
walls, as a general thing, have been treated kindly by the keeper.
It is, however, to be lamented that the spirit of the Gospel has
not more generally influenced the minds of men, which would
have had a salutary tendency in preventing the increase of much
evil in the world. As soon as the great law of doing to others
as we would others should do to aSj begins to be exemplified,
the reign of wrong, and injury, and suffering, (leading as it often
does to crime,) will rapidly come to an end. Instead of one
Howard, one Mrs. Fry, and one Miss Dix, in a century, we
should have thousands upon thousands in every department of
charity. When we look at what these three individuals
have accomplished, what might we not expect, from milhons
laboring with united strength and intellect, in the great work
of human welfare ! It will be a glorious period when the
^' fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man," shall be re-
cognized by all classes. Then will the reign of evil cease, and
not before.
Every town was authorized to choose a council of six persons,
to manage their town affairs, and to have the trial of small
cases.
June 4, 1647. — Oannonicus, the chief Indian Sachem, died this
year in a good old age, honored by his tribe, and respected and
beloved bv the whites who had settled in his territories.
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AQUEDNECK INDIANS. 43
AQUEDNECK INDIANS.
The battle which decided the fate of the Aquedneck Indians,
is beheved to have been fought in a place about three miles and
a quarter from the State House, in Newport, in the town of
Mi^d diet own, in a swamp, or low ground, near the west road
leading to Bristol ferry. The tradition is substantiated by the
fact, that very many arrow heads, hatchets, &c., made of a hard
stone, have frequently been dug up on the spot, designated in
the tradition as the battle field. This was before the purchase
of the island. They were subject to the Narragansetts. The
seat of Miantunomu was at " Tomony Hill," near Newport.
There was formerly a " block-house," built of brick, on this
hill. The land ■ fronting on the harbor, where Thames-street
now is, was then an impenetrable swamp.
It is well to dwell on the reminiscences of the past, as they
carry the mind back to the period when none but the natives
were the inhabitants of the island. The sufferings of the abo-
rigines of this country are painful to contemplate, and while
many pretend to have their sympathies strongly enlisted on the
side of negro slavery, let them reflect, how much greater have
been the sufferings of the poor Indian, arising, as it does, from
his superior understanding.
Let me inquire of the reader, whether there was ever a nobler
character than Philip, the King of the Wampanouages, and one
whose sad fate has often been the theme of the poet ? Accord-
ing to the prediction of the Panacos, that he should never fall
by the hand of the white man was reahzed in his death. A
renegade Indian shot him in a swamp, at the foot of Mount
Haup.
Philip's war lasted more than a year, and was the most dis-
tressing period that New England had ever seen, and threatened
the total extirpation of her colonies. About six hundred men,
the flower of her strength, fell in battle, or were butchered by
the savages. In Massachusetts, Plymouth, and Ehode Island,
twelve or thirteen towns were utterly destroyed. About six
hundred dwelling-houses were burnt, a heavy debt contracted,
and a vast amount of property destroyed. There were few
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44 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
families who did not lose some beloved relative in tliis calami-
tous war ; and a general gloom spread through the country.
The Indians acted on the defensive ; they felt jealous of their
rightSj and did not admit the justice and equity of the claim set
up by the pale faces^ to the soil which they had received as a
grant from the Great Spirit, — and it is no way surprising that
Philip and his tribe displayed a hostile attitude towards the
enemy of their peace, when they perceived that their domain
was passing into other hands, and that they would soon melt
away before a superior force. This is a sufficient apology for
the course which they pursued towards the colonists ; and
instead of our exulting and triumphing over their weakness, it
should rather be a matter of grief and sorrow, that the posses-
sion of this continent was purchased at the expense of the
destruction of the Indians.
PHILIP OP MOUNT HAUP.
(by miss CASS.)
Philip's head was sent to Plymouth, where it was exposed on
a gibbet twenty years, and one of his hands to Boston, where
it was exhibited in savage triumph, and his mangled body was
denied the right of sepulture, it having been quartered, and
hung upon four trees, where it was left, a monument of shock-
ing barbarity.
'^ To say the least of Phihp's humanity, it was as great
towards captives, so far as we have any knowledge, as that of
the Enghsh towards the captive Indians," — Drake's Biograioliy
of Indians.
■' Ye write the white man brave,
When on his native sod,
He lifts his sword to guard and save
His heritage of God,
And earth rings loud, with the deep startling cry —
Of patriots, warring for their liberty.
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PHILIP OP MOUNT HAUP 45
Ye bid the marble rise,
To shrine his sacred fame ;
And loud winds bear along the skies.
His high and holy name.
And ever your children'8 hearts beat full and strong,
All freedom shout, and glorious triumph sing.
The outrag'd Indian rears
His madden' d battle brand ;
And tracks with flame, and blood, and tears,
The oppressors of his land.
And he is savage ! and ye give his name
To wear his curse, and be a word for shame.
And even his soulless clay,
!Finds not a quiet bed ;
The storms may waste itj birds of prey
Teast on the helpless dead—
As if the poor insensate dust could be
A thing for hate, and iBendish mockery.
The gentle Quaker came,
With justice in his hand;
And the whoop lay hush'd, the war-knife's flam©
Gleam' d not within the land.
But spread the Calumefs soft incense wide,
And rose the olive of the wigwam's side,
Wo ! fcr the red man's wail,
Sweeps o'er New England's hills ;
It rides her haughty ocean gale,
And tunes her forest rills.
One jarring echo in the grand old strain.
That ne'er can die along her hallow' d plain."
THE DEATH OF MIANTUNOMXT.
As we "have noticed the death of Cannonicus, we will also
allude to the sad fate of Miantunomu, as they were the two
Sachems who conveyed the island of Aquedneck to Mr. God-
dingtoD and his friends. Miantunomu was uncle to CannonieuSj
and they exercised an important part in the government of th©
great nation of the Narragansetts.
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46 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
In 1642, Connecticut became suspicious of Miantunomu, and
urged Massacliusetts to join them in a war witliUncaSj Sachern
of the Mohegans. The broil had long existed ; but the open
rupture was brought onbyUncas making war upon Sequesson,
one of the Sachems under Miantunomu. The English accounts
say, (and we have no other,) that about 900 warriors were
raised by Miantunomu, and about 500 or 600 Mohegans. The
Sachem of the former, Miantunomu, intending to chastise
TJncas for his adherence to the Enghsh, secretly advanced into
his country with an army ; but Uncas was aware of his ap-
proach, and met him on this plain, where both parties halted.
TJncas resorted to a stratagem ; he stepped forward alone, and
challenged Miantunomu to decide the quarrel single-handed.
This, as he expected, was refused, and, while his enemies were
unprepared, he gave a signal by falling down, when his men
instantly set up a yell, discharged their arrows, and rushed
forward.
The Narragansetts fled, and many of them were killed.
TJncas captured Miantunomu himself, but the haughty Indian
would not ask for quarter nor speak a word. He was taken
to Hartford, and, after a trial, was dehvered to Uncas for
execution. He was brought back to this place, and while
marching across the fields was tomahawked, on a spot a little
east of the road, where a heap of stones for many years marked
the place of his burial.
"The place where the battle was fought, was in the eastern
part of the town of Norwich, and the place to this day is called
the Sach&ni's Flain?'' — Note^ from Wintkrop^s Journal.
The sorrowful part of this tale is yet to be told. The Com
missioners of the United Colonies having convened at Boston,
^' who, taking into serious consideration what ^was safest and
best to be done, were all of the opinion, that it would not be
safe to set him at liberty ; neither had we sufficient ground for
us to put him to death."
The awful design of putting to death their friend, they had
not yet fixed upon, but calling to their aid in council — whom ?
— and must it be told ? — it has been told before — '' five of the
most judicious elders;" such as we read of in the apochrypha,
who condemned Susannah to death ; " they all agreed that he
ought to be put to death." This was the final decision, and to
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DEATH OP MIANTUNOMU. 47
complete the deed of darkness, secrecy was enjoined upon all,
and their determination was to be made known to TJ'ncas pri-
vately, with directions that he should execute him within his
own jurisdiction, and without torture.
Dr. Trumbull says that "Uncas cut out a large piece of his
shoulder and ate it in savage triumph, saying it was the sweet-
est morsel he ever ate, it made his heart strong-" Thus closed
a tragedy, which, for infamy, has never been exceeded. And
by whom was it effected ? Picritans — men calling themselves
the friends and the advocates of Him who prayed to his Father
to "forgive his enemies, for they know not what they do." He
was one who had been their friend, according to their own show-
ing, and yet delivered up to the miserable paltroon, TJncas, who
by treachery had overcome his enemy. But the conduct of the
savage is purity itself, when compared to the vile and disgrace-
ful conduct of those, who having no bowels of compassion, could
thus sacrifice a fellow-being on the altar of hatred, malice, and
all un charitableness. But what could we expect better of such
men, whose views of Grod's character, led th*em to believe that
he delighted in misery ! For an example, examine Dr. Increase
Mather's (Magnoha,) " Prevalence of Prayer," ibid 7. In
speaking of the efficacy of prayer in bringing about the destruc-
tion of the Indians, he says, " Nor could they cease crying to
the Lord against Phihp, until they had. prayed the bullet into
his heart." And in speaking of the slaughter of Philip's people
at Narragansett, he says : " "We have heard of the two and
twenty Indians slain, all of them, and brought down to hell in
one day." This is Christianity with a vengeance.
On the death of Miantunomu, Oanonchet, his son, became by
inheritance. Chief Sachem of the tribe. In "the great swamp,
fight," as it was famiharly known, he was intercepted and
secured by the whites, delivered over to the Mohegan Sachem,
Oneco, the son of his father's murderer, and by him put to
death by order of the English captors. He was the last who
exercised the supremacy over the Narragansett tribe, and now
all that is left to call to remembrance these noble warriors is
their names, emblazoned on the wheel-house of the steamboats
which navigate the Narragansett Bay.
"We bless Cod that we had our birth and education in the
State of Phode Island, where intolerance, bigotry, and cruelt^r,
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48 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND.
never flourishecl ; and fhough our characters have been assailed
by " Sunon pures," of Massachusetts, as being destitute of true
religion, which merely means orthodoxy in the head and not in
the heart, we yet have cause to rejoice that charges such as we
have enumerated, have never been laid at our door.
Eichard Borden, one of the first settlers of Portsmouth, died
25th of third month, 1670, aged seventy years. He was father
of Matthew Borden, who was the first white child born on
Bhode Island.
THE FIBST CHARTEU OF INCOUPOUATION FROM THE
BRITISH CROWN.
^' In 1643, Mr. WiUiams, an agent of the Colonies of Narragan-
sett Bay, obtained a Charter of Incorporation, from the British
crown, granting their permission to make laws for themselves,
so far as the nature and constitution of the place would admit,
subject to the laws of England.''
This charter is for civil government only. There is not one
word in it about religion or liberty of conscience. Backey, Yol.
1, page 91. This he says he copied from the original manuscript .
in Mr. Williams' own handwriting, dated Providence 25th, sixth
month, 1658.
" That forasmuch as Mr. Eoger Williams has taken great pains,
and expended much time in obtaining a charter for this pro-
vince, we do freely give and grant unto the saidBoger Wilhams,
£100, to be levied out of the towns, viz., £50 out of Newport,
£30 out of Portsmouth, and £20 out of Providence, which rate
is to be levied and paid in by the last of November."
Mr. Wilhams returned with the charter, September 17, 1644.
We have no wish or desire to take from Mr. Williams the praise
which justly belongs to him— '^ honor to whom honor is due" — but
we do feel conscious that far more has been said of his merits than
they well deserve. He has been held up as the oracle of liberty
of conscience, and many have been misled into the belief that
Ehode Island is indebted to him more than to any other man,
for its civil and rehgious liberties. But we shall have occasion
to convince them to the contrary, when we bring forward a man
whose character has been neglected, and whose memory nearly
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FIRST CHARTER OF INCORPORATION. 49
forgotten. And this has arisen from the relative position which
Providence and Newport occupies. While the former has had
a rapid growth, owing to the crowd of adventurers who have
resorted, there for the purpose of gain, w^hich has, however, sen-
sibly changed its moral character, the latter has declined in com-
mercial prosperity, which has produced a state of supineness,
and an entire indifference to her lawful claims, and permitted
matters of a highly important nature to be entirely overlooked,
Providence has aimed to exalt Eoger Wilhams, at the ex
pense of his superior, until his name has become as common as
household words. We see it emblazoned on banks, insurance
companies, and even steamboats which ply in the Narragansett
Bay. His name has been canonized as the ne plus ultra^ and
to call in question his character and merits, would be viewed as
sacrilegious.
Every author who has attempted to write his biography, has
been very careful to keep out of sight his defects, and to publish
his virtues to the world, as the originator of civil and rehgious
liberty, until the public have been made to believe that to Eoger
Wilhams, and to no one else, Ehode Island is indebted for her
privileges.
Now, every writer who has treated on his character, has
stood in fear lest an influence should be brought to bear against
him, hence they follow in the same track, and continue to eulo-
gize his name. Mr. Wilhams was not perfect, and a more
eccentric man never lived. He had not a well-balanced mind,
which his rehgious career fully proved.
The Eev. Mr. Adlum, in a pamphlet, which he has recently
pubhshed, showing the origin of the first Baptist church in
Newport, and the first in Providence, says of Mr. Wilhams,
that " he was a Baptist only four months. After he left the
Baptists, he lived forty-three years, and yet from the records
you would not suspect but he was a Baptist to the day of his
death. Here was a man, who in the space of four months, had
fully made up his mind that there was neither a true ministry,
nor true church upon earth ; a conviction so strong that he
never wavered in it for the forty-three years of his after life. He
had been brerl in the belief that a regular succession from the
apostles downwards, was necessary to a true church and a true
ministry."
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50 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
The manner of his baptism by a layman, we should have
thought would have led him to doubt of its validity, and equally
so his ordination, which was wholly unauthorized by ecclesiasti-
cal usages.
There is evidence that Mr. Williams was not as Catholic as
were some of the first settlers ; though he had fled from Mas-
sachusetts, owing to persecution, yet he is charged with in-
tolerance towards the Quakers, which illustrates and sets
forth poor human nature, as it really is. We should not have
animadverted on the character of Mr. Williams, had there not
been such an effort made by writers, to exalt him above his
equals and even superiors.
The united colonies were not content with using compulsion
themselves, towards the Quakers, but wished to draw Rhode
Island into their measure — and it is on record that Roger Wil-
liams favored the measure — ^but the people of Portsmouth, on
Rhode Island, disowned all connection in such arbitrary doings to-
wards their brethren. Portsmouth has ever been an asylum for
Quakers from the earliest period of their coming to this country.
A Quaker, Richard Scott, who had been a neighbor of Mr.
Williams for thirty-eight years, says of him, that " he was un-
settled in his opinions, that which took most with him was, to
get honor amongst men. After his society and he, in a church
w^ay, were parted, he went to England and got a charter, and
coming from Boston to Providence, at Seekonk, the neighbors
of Providence met him with fourteen canoes, and carried him to
the town. And the man being hemmed in the middle of the
canoes, was so elevated and transported out of himself, that I
was condemned in myself, that amongst the rest, I had been an
instrument to set him up in his pride and folly. Though he pro-
fessed hberty of conscience, and was so zealous for it at the first
coming home of the charter, that nothing in government must
be acted till that was granted, yet he could be the forwardest
to persecute against those that could not join with him in it.''
About the beginning of 1677, came out Mr. Williams' account
of his dispute with the Quakers, upon which Mr. Ooddington
wrote over to his friend Pox, and said : '^ Here is a lying, scan-
dalous book of Roger Williams', of Providence, printed at Cam-
bridge, New-England. I have known him about fifty years, a
mere weather-cock^ constant only in inconstancy ; poor man, that
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CHARACTER OF ROGER WILLIAMS. 51
doth not know what should become of his soul, if this night it
should be taken from him. He was for the priests, and took
up their principles to fight against the truth, and to gratify them
and bad magistrates, that licked up his vomit, and wrote the
said scurrilous book, and so has transgressed for a piece of
bread. One while he is a Separatist, at New-Plymouth, joining
with them till they are weary of him ; (as appears from Morton's
Memorial,) another time you may have him a teacher or a mem-
ber of the church at Salem. ! then a great deal of devotion
is pleaded in women's wearing of veils in their assemblies, as if
the power of godhness was in it ; and to have the cross out of
the color ; and then be against the king's patent and authority,
and writetb a large book in quarto against it. And another
time he is hired for money, and gels a patent from Long Par-
iiament, so that it is not long but he is off and on it again. One
time for water Baptism — ^men and women must be plunged into
water— and then throws it all down again ; one time for men's
wearing caps, and not hats, for covering their faces — and again
hats and caps ; so that Cotton said of him, that ^ he was a hob-
her dasher of small questions against the power.'"
Mr. Williams, on the 1st of February, 1657-8, issued a war-
rant against Mr. William Harris, for the alleged crime of op-
posing the Protector's government The warrant ordered his
arrest and imprisonment, for the purpose of sending him to Eng-
land, in accordance, probably, with the act of June, 1665, How
far this strong measure was deserved by the conduct of Mr. Har-
ris, we cannot now determine. It has been inferred that it was
not sustained by pubhc opinion, because at the next election Mr.
WilHams was superseded as President, by Mr, Benedict Arnold.
It is not improbable that he was urged too far, by a zeal to ^up-
hold the charter, and the Protector's authority, and perhaps by
personal hostility towards Mr. Harris, between whom and him-
self, there was for many years a very acrimonius feud.
'' It appears that Mr. Wilhams so dishked Mr. Harris, that he
would not write his name at length, but abbreviated it thus, ^W.
Har.' This mode of writing is seen in the fac simile prefixed
to this volume."-— jSTwo'^/es' Memoirs of Williams.
'^ Mr. Harris soon after went to England to endeavor to settle
the dispute between himself and Eoger Williams, but the vessel
was captured by an Algerine corsair, and he was sold for a
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52 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLANB.
slave. His familyj in Ehode Island, redeemed him by the sale
of a part of his property. He arrived in England, but died
there. He was an able man, and we may hope a good man,
notwithstanding some infinnities. His quarrels with Eoger
"Williams were discreditable to them both — on which side the
most blame lay, we cannot now decideJ^-— Backus^ volume L,
page 421.
"We should rather be inclined to think that Williams was the
most in fault, from the fact of his pronenessto get into difficulty.
The family of Harris are highly respectable in Ehode Island ;
some of the original land of William Harris, is still in possession
of the family.
Eoger Williams was the pioneer in the settlement of Provi-
dence, and had he possessed the amiable traits of character
which distinguished John Clarke, of Newport, he would un-
doubtedly have been a public blessing to the Colony. But un-
fortunately, his disposition was irritable, which often led him
into trouble. He had the bump of combattiveness largely deve-
loped, and was ever ready to enter into disputation; (this
seemed to be his forte,) In 1672, George Eox, the founder of
the sect called Eriends, or Quakers, arrived in Ehode Island,
and commenced preaching at Newport. Eoger Williams visited
Newport,, and held public disputations with George Eox and
others. He had a zeal, not always tempered with knowledge,
or otherwise he would have left to each sect, the right to enjoy
their own sentiments undisturbed, and never have been guilty
of persecution in the least degree. But it shows that he was
fallible, like all other men, and had not attained to Christian
perfection.
And yet it seems passing strange, that one who had felt the
power of oppression, and who had been compelled to flee from
Massachusetts' tyranny, did not extend the hand of fellowship
to all, of whatever name or sect, who desired to settle within
his jurisdiction. But few, however, are properly qualified to
exercise power aright — the passions of the human mind, when
not restrained, are apt to break forth in a manner which conflicts
with the "higher law," of which so much is said at the present
day. Some allowance must, however, be made for the period
in which he lived. Undoubtedly, there were difficulties to be
ei^pQunteredy and trials to be borne^ which required a large
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LONGEVITY OF THE FIRST SETTLERS. 53
share of philosophy to overcome, and if his temperament was
ardent and impetuous, he is to, be pitied and not severely con-
demned.
We have been strongly inclined to the belief, that the impress
left by Mr. Williams on the Plantations, has had an influence
in forming the character of its inhabitants, for liberty of opinion
has been far less enjoyed there, than in Newport and the south
counties. In secular matters, there has been a disposition to
coerce and to bring the people under the ban of the law in mat-
ters, too, which were unconstitutional in their nature, which it
behoves every patriot and friend to human rights, to condemn.
It must be conceded that the inhabitants of the Island of
Ehode Island, were the most active in procuring the inestimable
privileges of civil and religious liberty. Here, true Eepublican-
ism existed, without aristocratic domination, and it should be
the duty of every citizen, to guard against every encroachment
attempted to be made against their dearest rights, and heaven-
born privileges. Let them glory in the names of Clarke and
Ooddington, for to them belongs the honor of rearing the stand-
ai'd of Liberty and Independence.
LONGEVITY OF THE FIRST SETTLERS OF THE ISLAND.
Mr. Nicholas Easton, ¥/ho came, in 1638, from Hampton to
Newport, hved to 1675, when he died a very ancient man. His
eon, Mr. John Easton, who as his father was divers tim^s Gnov-
ernor of the Colony, died in 1705, in the eighty-fifth year of
his age. Mr. H. Bull, one of the eighteen that incorporated
themselves at the first, was G-overnor of the Colony, and lived
to an advanced age. Mr. Edward Thurston, who was assistant
in 1675, and many times deputy for Newport, died 1786-7^
aged ninety years.
Many such instances might be given, and many of the second
generation, such I mean as were born within the first twenty or
twenty-five years, reached to fourscore and some ninety years.
If we eonsiOer the longevity of many of the first-comers, notwith-
standing the hardships and distresses they underwent, and the
<shange of climate, diet, fec^ and to this add the great age of
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54 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
many of their cliildren, we cannot call the country unhealthy j^
or the inhabitants short-lived ; and to this day, perhaps, there is
no spot that can be compared to the island for the duration of
human life.
SHORTNESS OF PROVISIONS.
January 22d, 1639, it was found that there were but one
hundred and eight bushels of corn, to supply ninety-six per-
sons, which, at the proportion of one bushel and half a-peck to
each, was not then sufficient to supply them for six weeks ; and
yet it was then more than so many months to harvest. But
there was plenty offish, fowl, and venisofty and soon after, even
to this day, the necessaries of life have beeij plentiful.
Some of the principal persons who came at first to the island^
removed again in a Httle time, some to Long Island for larger
accommodations, and some to Massachusetts again, where
three of those families have made a considerable figure ever
since, to this day, viz. : Hutchinson, Dunmow, and Savage.
Mrs. Ann Hutchinson, of whom mention has been made^
after being banished from Massachusetts, came to Ehode
Island. From thence she went with her family to East Chester,
in New -York, where they were all killed lyj the Indians, except
one daughter, who, after remaining some time among the In-
dians, was redeemed, and married to Mr. Cole,, and lived to
old age. A similar account is given in a history of the Indian
wars, written by Mr. Niles.
Edward Hutchinson, Jun., was mortally wounded in Phihp's
war. Wilham Hutchinson came over from England in 1634, and
died in Newport in 1642. His wife, Anne, was killed by the
Indians in 1643. In the records of the old or first church in
Boston, we find Edward Hutchinson, senior, admitted a mem-
ber in 1663, and Edward Hutchinson, junior, and William
Hutchinson, merchant, in 1634. Several of the Hutchinson
family came to Newport, in consequence of the religious perse-
cutions in Massachusetts. They owned land both in Newport
and Narragansett, and their names are frequently found on the
records.
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BRENTON, WM., PRESIDENT OF THE COLONY. 55
William Hutchinson, jun. (second,) Edward Hutchinson, sen.,
and Edward Hutchinson, jun., were among the first purchasers
of Newport, about 1636, to which allusion has been already
made. We also find land allotted there to Samuel Hutchinson,
in 1638. Some of the family, as before remarked, returned to
Boston. See " Bull's Extracts from the State Eecords."
Oapt. Edward Hutchinson, by his will, proved in Boston,
1675, gave all his Narragansett lands to his daughters, Ehza-
beth Winslow, Ann Byre, and Susanna Hutchinson. Susanna
afterwards married Nathaniel Coddington, of Newport. Ann
afterwards married Baniel Yerner, the ancestor of the present
family of Vernon, of Newport. See '' Deeds in Secretary's
office, book 1, 442; Records at Wickford, book 2, 121,123,
"Updike's History." There is none of the name now to be
found in Newport, although numerous in many of the New
England States.
Thomas Clifton was one of the earhest settlers. Erom him
the Clifton burial place takes its name. It is situated at the
head of Golden-street ; it is an ancient ground.
Wilham Brenton was a native of England, and previous to
his removal, was a respectable merchant of Boston. He came
to Ehode Island soon after the first settlement. He was
Deputy- Governor from 1640 to 1646 ; President of the Colony
from 1660 to 1662, and Governor from 1665 to 1669. He was
one of the largest proprietors of land on Ehode Island, and
owned the whole of the land called Brenton's Neck. He died
in 1674, at an advanced age, leaving three sons and four
daughters.
Jaheel Brenton, was the eldest son of Governor William
Brenton, and inherited most of the estate. He was the first
Collector of Boston appointed by the king. In 1699, in conse-
quence of some personal difficulty with Sir William Phipps,
the Governor of Massachusetts, he went to England, when he
and others preferred charges against the Governor, who, in con-
sequence, was summoned to Whitehall, to answer for his con-
duct. Governor Phipps died of fever soon after he had arrived
in England, and before the trial could take place.
Mr. Brenton was soon after appointed Agent for the Colony
of Ehode Island, and as such remained in England several
years. He returned from England with a commission from the
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56 HISTORY OF EHODE ISLAND.
King, appointing him Surveyor- General of the Customs of the
American Colonies.
He owned all the land in Newport, which is now known as
Brenton's Neck, where he had his residence ; he also owned a
large tract of land in Narragansett, being one of the original
Pettaquamsett purchasers.
He died in Newport, on the 8th of November, 1732, aged 77
years, without issue. He w^as buried on his own land, in that
part which is now the site of Fort Adams. By his w^ill, he
gave all his lands in the Neck, known as the Hammersmith and
Rocky Parms, to his nephew, the second Jaheel Brenton. In
1720, he built the house in Thames-street, now in the possession
of Simmons S. Coe. Among his descendants, was the gallant
Jaheel Brenton, Admiral of the British navy, and the Hon.
Brenton HaUiburton, of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia,
both natives of Newport.
In 1681, Peter Easton, and the Executor of John Clarke,
were ordered to lay out the common burial ground in Newport,
— from which it would appear that John Clarke gave the land
for that express purpose. This burial ground had been suf-
fered to lie neglected for years, until \i was painful to witness
it, when the'^ suggestion was made, that the subject of renova-
ting and improving the ground should be brought up in town
meeting, which was accordingly done, when an appropriation
of 200 dollars was m^ade, and subsequently $500 ; and laborers
were employed to right and paint the stones, and to lay out
new walks, where no graves were visible. The work was com-
menced in 1848, and the committee, under whose supervision
the praiseworthy undertaking was commenced and completed,
were the Hon. Edward W. Lauton, and Wm. C. Clarke, Esq.
Mr. Clarke took a lively interest in the matter, and it reflects
great credit on the town.
Benedict Arnold, was born in England in 1615 ; he came to
this country with his father, WilKam Arnold. They were
among the first settlers of Providence, but afterwards formed a
settlement at Pawtuxet. In 1653, Benedict Arnold removed to
Newport, and was admitted a purchaser there ia May, the
same year; in, 1654, he was appointed a Commissioner for
Newport; and, in 1657, was chosen President of the Colony,
which he held until 1659. He was an Assistant in 1660 and
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A BELL-MAN CHOSEN. 57
1661, and again President in 1662 and 1663. In the Charter of
1663, he was named as the first Glovernor, and was re-elected
by the people, with brief intervals, until 1678, He died on the
9th of June, 1678, aged 63 years, leaving four sons and three
daughters. He was a large proprietor of land in Newport, Oon-
nanicut, and Narragansett. His house stood where the banking
house of the Union Bank, now stands. He was buried in the
lot which he directed to be set apart for that purpose, which is
now an old burying-ground in the rear of the Unitarian church.
The ground which was set apart, was three rods square, with
the right of way to it. The entrance is from Pelham street,
through the grounds of Captain Littlefield.
As the name of Governor Benedict Arnold, and Benedict
Arnold, the traitor, are hable to be blended together, we would
state the fact, for the benefit of the reader, that there is not the
remotest connection existing between them. Governor Arnold
was distinguished for his virtue and integrity ; his repeated elec-
tions to the first place in the Colony, shows his popularity, and
the confidence which was reposed in him by his constituents.
"We would suggest the propriety of renovating the ground
where repose the mouldering ashes of this devoted patriot. "We
know not whether any collateral branches of the family exist at
present on the island ; it is certain, however, that there are none
in the male line. The extinction of once numerous and highly
respectable families, on the island, shows the uncertainty of
worldly glory, and the vanity of relying upon any thing earthly.
A BELL-MAN CHOSEN.
1681. A bell-man was chosen to walk up the streets, one
whole year, as the town shall agree, and Eichard Barnes was
chosen. He came out with Mr. John Clarke, the first settler on
the island. He was to ring if any thing be brought into the
town, as fruit, or fish, &c., ^' he shall not need to stop at each
place, but going along giving notice thereof by a loud noise. ^"^
This practice is still kept up in the ancient town, and does not
disturb the nerves of the inhabitants.
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58 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
1691. Lawrence Clarke bad liberty to dig clay and make
brick, on the common near Samuel Cranston's land, he doing no
damage ; and even before this period, permission was granted
to make brick, as early as 1681. Why it was discontinued w^e
have no account.
1693. Arnold Collins petitioned for half an acre of land on the
common, to set up a fulling mill, which was granted. John
Easton, jr., had one quarter of an acre of land to set up a malt-
ing-house, to have it as long as he made malt. John Hicks
had an acre of land on Goat Island, for a ship-yard, for him and
his heirs and assigns, who follow ship-building, paying such rent
as they and the committee of the town shall agree.
In 1696, a Seal for the town was procured, with the device
of a sheep.
1699. Benjamin Bears, and John Hervey, had hberty to
erect a building on the north end of Goat Island, to cure fish.
A law w^as made to prevent oyster sliells from being burnt
in the streets, except by the liberty of the town or lime kilns.
It appears that shell lime w^as much used at that day^ and
many of the ancient buildings now standing, confirm the fact.
Oct., 1710. The petition of Mr. Gallaway, for liberty of teach-
ing a Latin school, in the little rooms in the school-house, was
granted. New^port has paid a strict regard to education, from
the earliest period of the settlement of the island.
''In 1782, John Mumford, surveyor, w^as authorized to survey
the streets of the town ; and the Town Council directed to name
the streets, as the town had grown to the admiration of all, and
was the metropolitan." — Toivn Records.
It is much to be regretted that the codfishery had not been
prosecuted in Newport, as the spot is so admirably adapted to
the business. It has been made profitable where it has been
carried on, giving employment to seamen, as w^ell as enriching
the community, and no good and sufficient reason can be offered
why it should not be revived in Newport. It is a safe invest-
ment, and requiring far less capital than is needed in many other
commercial transactions. The bounty paid by the general gov^
ernment, aids very much in the Hquidation of the expenses of
the voj^age. It would seem from the records, that in the early
settlement of Newport, the inhabitants turned their attention to
every kind of trade, and the rapid and unexampled grow^th of
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easton's point. 59
the place was an evidence of the enterprise which characterized
the inhabitants.
To what an extent brick was made, and how long the busi-
ness was conducted, we have no means of knowing at this late
period. We should rather^ be inclined to the beUef that the
material was not of the best kind, or otherwise the work would
not have been abandoned.
About twenty -five years ago, a discovery was made of yellow
ochre, on the Taylor farm, now owned by the Hon. Wm. Bo
Lawrence. Some gentleman from abroad experimented upon it,
hoping to be able to make a yellow paint of it, but after a fair
trial it was given up. This gave to Taylor's Point, the modern
name of Ochre Point, though we much prefer the former one
for its antiquity, the property having been in possession of the
Taylor family from a very early period of the settlement of the
island.
EASTON'S POINT,
This Point was originally the property of Governor Nicholas
Easton, who, on his marriage with Ann Clayton, gave it by
deed to her, and confirmed it in his will to her as his wife.
In 1694, a certain "William Edwards, amember of the Society
of Eriends, gave by will to his executors, who were Daniel
Gould, Edward Thurston, William James, John Lurkett, the
residue of his estate, for the benefit of that society. In the year
1698, they purchased of Ann Bull, widow of Governor Henry
Bull, and previously widow of Nicholas Easton, the Point farm,
consisting of about sixty- five acres, part of which, in 1714, they
laid out in house lots, and made a second division, in 1725,
which they rented out at very low rates. The Society has the
original plot and regular minutes of the proprietors ever since.
The most of the land has since been disposed of, and but a few-
acres now belong to the Society.
In early times, the Society of Eriends was very large. In
1700, about one-half the population of Newport were of that
persuasion, and in that year they built the present meeting-house
in which they now worship. There have been many ministers,
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60 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
and other conspicuous members of that Society, who Hved in
Newport and its vicinity. A large proportion of its Governors
and other officers, were of that denomination, amongst whom
may be enumerated "Wm. Coddington, Nicholas Easton, John
Easton, Walter Clarke, Henry Bull, John Wanton, Gideon
Wanton, and Governor Hopkins, all members of the Society.
Mr. Bull says that there was a Friends' meeting-house in New-
port, before this was built, probably soon after they came to this
country. It stood opposite Coddington burial-ground, which
was taken down and some of the materials worked into that
which is now^ the rear of the present meeting-house, which ex-
tends thirty feet north of the main building. The denomination
from having been very numerous on the island, are at present
greatly diminished.
In 1704, the General Assembly passed an act for fixing the
soldiers' wages, whether volunteers or impressed, for the service
of Goat Island, at £12 per year.
In 1696, a negro named Peter Pylatt, was executed at New-
port, for the crime of rape, after which his body was hung in
chains on Tommony Hill.
It was voted to offer one penny for a blackbird's head, and
two pennies for a crow.
About 1660, and many years afterward, provision pay was
one hundred per cent beneath sterling money.
1739. This year the freemen of the town of Newport, granted
a new company the right of extending the Long Wharf from
Thames street, westward, across the Cove or Flats, to Sandy
Point, called Easton's Point, across the said Point, eight hun-
dred feet westward, to Goat Island, from low- water mark, and
the fee and privilege to be vested in the company, together
with the privileges of all right which the town had in the water,
on the north and south sides of the premises, 45 feet in length, &c.
The income arising from the Long Wharf, was for many years
devoted to the support of a school kept in Washington street,
on the Point. The building which belonged to the company,
and occupied for a school, was subsequently sold ; it continued
however, until the free school system went into operation in
Newport. The wharf is in the hands of trustees, and what dis-
position is made of the income, after keeping the wharf in re-
pair, we have no means of knowing. It would certainly look,
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COLONY HOUS£l BtTILT. 61
after reading the grant made by the town to the company, that
they had the exclusive right to manage it as they please. Pre^
sent length 2183 feet.
At the North side of Long Wharf was situated Barney's
Ferry to Oonnanicut — at that date there were three ferries to
Connanicut- — two on the Point, Barney's, Ellery's, and Oarr's,
the present one from Ferry Wharf — all these ferries were con-
stantly employed in bringing large numbers of cattle, horses and
mules, from Connecticut, as well as from all parts of this State;
and an endless number of hogs were annually brought from
Connecticut to this market, and slaughtered for shipping.
Edward Thurston was a native of England, and came to
Ehode Island soon after the first settlement. He held many
important offices. He .died in 1706, aged ninety years, and was
buried in the Coddington burial-place. He left six sons and
several daughters, from whom are descended all the Thurstons
of this State.
In 1710, Anthony Young had liberty to take limestone from
the rocks in the harbor, to make lime with. We presume
that the business was not long pursued, or otherwise the rock
would soon have disappeared. We are not able to decide on
the quality of lime made from the rock, never having seen it
tested.
A committee was appointed to grant lots for wharfs round
the Cove, and so to Gravelly Point. The first town club in
Newport was formed this year, 1726.
In 1733, the first market-house, on the Ferry Wharf in New
port was built. This year the Assembly granted £50 towards
re-building the Point Bridge in Newport.
COLONY-HOUSE BUILT.
1733. The General Assembly this year voted to erect a new
Colony-House, in Newport, on the site where the old one stood.
The building to be of brick, eighty feet by forty. Peter Bours,
Esbon Sanford, George Goulding, and George Wanton, were
appointed to superintend the building. Eichard Munday was
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62 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
the architect who drew a plan of the building. In 1743, the
Court House was not finished.
The old Colony House was sold and removed to a lot in Pri-
son Lane, where it was converted into a dwelUng-hoiise, and is
still standing. The Colony House, or the present State House,
is a beautiful specimen of architecture. Fronting the Parade,
with the Mall on the left, gives to it an imposing appearance.
In 1783, the clock in the State House was put up by Benja-
min Dudley, an ingenious clock and watch-maker of Newport
The expense was defrayed by private subscription.
In 1774, Christopher Gardner, a native of Newport, opened
a Circus, in which he performed surprising feats of horseman-
ship. He was the son of Henry G-ardner, who was the keeper
of a tavern, at the head of Tanner street, in Newport.
« NEWPORT, June 15, 1774.
HORSEMANSHIP,
BY CHEISTOPHEE GAEDNEE,
THE ORIGINAL AMERICAN RIDER,
WHO WILL PERFORM ON
ONE, TWO, AND THREE HORSES,
Nearly all tlie parts which were exhibited here by the celebrated
MR. BATES.
In several of which parts, it is allowed by good judges, he fully equals, or rather
excels, any thing of the kind e^er performed in this country.
TO-MORROW,
Gratis, for the Entertainment of all who
please to attend,
If the weather be good, if not, the next day, he will Ride at the north-
east part of Newport ;
and there will be performed
TAYLOR EIDING TO BEENTFORD.
The doors will be opened at Three o'clock in the Afternoon ; and he will mount
precisely at Four. The seats are suitable for la.dies and gentlemen.
Tickets, at a Quarter-of-a-doUar each, to be had of Messrs. lohabod Potter, Robert
Lillibridge, jun., William Davis, and at the Printing-office, by those who chuse
to pay.
' Tis hoped no persons will bring any dogs with them.
Mr. Gardner expects to give entire satisfaction, and will gratefully acknowledge
all the favours of those ladies and gentlemen who will oblige him with their
company,"
[From the original printed Handbill.]
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THE CREWLESS VESSEL. 63
In 1770. On Wednesday, died at Portsmouth, on the island,
Mrs. Mary Thomas, and Mrs. Abigail Burrington, widows,
both in the 81st year of their age : they were both born in one
year, died in one day, and were both buried the same day.
^^ Some persons from Connecticut, came to town a few days
since, with a large sum of money, in order to purchase goods;
but failing of a supply here, they proceeded immediately to
Newport." — From the Providence Paper ^ 1770.
THE CREWLESS VESSEL.
1750. This year a remarkable circumstance occurred at
Newport. A vessel was discovered one morning, apparently
coming from the eastward, close in to Easton's Beach, with all
sails standing ; she seemed suddenly to alter her course, avoid-
ing the rocks, and directly came on shore, at the north-west
corner of the beach. No one having been seen on board, she
was boarded by some fishermen, who ^vere spectators of the
scene, and to their great surprise and astonishment, no person
was found on board, but they found the table set for breakfast,
the kettle boiling, a dog and cat in the cabin, and every thing
undisturbed, except the long-boat, which was missing, as if the
crew had that moment left her.
The vessel proved to be a brig, belonging to Mr. Isaac
Steele, a merchant of Newport, which had been hourly expected
from the Bay of Honduras. She had been spoken a day or
two before, by a vessel which had arrived in port. The brig
was commanded by Capt. Huxham. No tidings were ever
heard of him or his crew,. and what became of them will
probably remain forever a mystery.
" It is a fearful mysteryj
That lies unfathom'd yet ;
There never came a word or sign,
From those we still regret.
I dare not muse upon their fate,
Its horror, its despair ;
But all among the gazers knew,
No mortal hand was there !"
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64 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
The vessel was afterwards got off, and William Lee, the
grandfather of Eobert P. Lee, Esq., cashier of the Ehode Island
Union Bank, assisted in getting her off. She was brought
round to Godfrey Melbone's wharf, and sold to Henry Collins,
then an eminent merchant of Newport, who changed her name
to the Beach Bird^ by which name she made many voyages.
This vessel is said to have been in existence, as late as when
the British forces took possession of this island ; they found
her dismantled at one of the wharves, cut her down, and con-
verted her into an armed galley. The most probable conjec-
ture which can be formed of this singular event is, that the
crew, becoming terrified on hearing the sound of the breakers,
and considering their danger to be imminent, had recourse to
the long-boat, and thus perished.
EXECUTION OF PIRATES.
Two pirate sloops, the Ranger, and the Fortune, which had
committed various piracies on the high seas, being in company,
on the 8th of May, 1723, captured the ship Amsterdam Mer-
chant, John Welland, master ; the day after which capture they
plundered and sunk the ship. On the 6th day of June, in lat.
39"^, they took a Virginia sloop, rifled her, and let her go, who
the next day fell in with His Majesty's ship, the Greyhound,
Capt. Solgard, of 20 guns, to whom they related the circum-
stances of their late capture and release. Capt. Solgard imme-
diately pursued, and on the 10th, came up with the pirate
sloops, about 14 leagues south of the east end of Long Island,
who, mistaking him for a merchant ship, immediately gave
chase, and soon commenced firing on the Greyhound, under a
black flag, but then hauled down the black flag and hoisted a
red one. The Greyhound succeeded in capturing one of the
sloops, after having seven men wounded, but the other pirate
escaped. The Greyhound came with the prize into the harbor
of Newport, and the pirates, thirty-six in number, were com-
mitted for trial ; twenty-six were sentenced to be hanged,
which execution took place on Gravelly Point, opposite the
town, on the 19th July, 1723. After execution, their bodies
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EXECUTION OF PIRATES. 65
were carried to G-oat Island, and buried on the shore, between
high and low-water mark.
The names of the pirates that were executed on Friday, July
the 19th, 1723, at Newport, on Ehode Island, were —
Charles Harris Thomas Hugget
Thomas Linniear Peter Cues
Daniel Hyde "William Jones
Stephen Mundon Edward Eaton
Abraham Lacy John Brown
Edward Lawson James Sprinkly
John Tompkins Joseph Sound
Erancis Laugh ton Charles Church
John Eitzgerald John Waters
William Studfield Thomas Powell
Owen Pice Joseph Libbey
Wilham Eead Thomas Hazel
William Blades John Bright.
Most of these men were foreigners ; but one belonged to
Rhode Island. They were principally natives of England.
Perhaps there never was a greater number executed at any
one period, in the history of this country.
Block Island, was named after Adrian Block, a Dutch navi-
gator, who, in the summer of 1644, built on the banks of the
Hudson, the first decked vessel ever built within the old United
States. The vessel was called Yatcli^ and made her first voy-
age through Hell G-ate, into the Sound, as far as Cape Cod, by
the Vineyard. It was on this voyage that Block Island was
discovered. The island is about nine miles long, and contains
a population of 1,262, according to the last census, in 1850.
They are a hardy race of men, engaged principally in fishing
and agriculture. It is nine miles to the nearest land.
The codfish cured by the islanders, commands a higher price
in the market, than those which are taken and cured elsewhere.
The soil is rich and fertile, which enables them to export oats,
stock, poultry, &c. Their boats, which are perfectly unique in
their construction, will live in a gale, while larger craft have to
make a harbor. There is on the island, three places of public
worship. One close communion, and two free-will Baptist
churches. It lays thirty miles south-west from Newport.
A number of pirates \\fere executed in November, as appears
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66 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
by an Act of the Assembly, for paying the expense of the con-
viction and execution. They are said to have been executed in
the lot, near the Powder-house, at Newport,- which afterwards
bore the name of the " Gallow's Field."
"Wilham Jeffray, was a native of England ; at what time he
came to America is unknown, but we find him in Massachusetts
as early as 1628. He came to Ehode Island soon after the
first settlement, and, in 1639, was one of the persons appointed
to set off the lands of the first settlers of Newport.
He appears to have been held in great respect by the colon-
ists, and was consulted on all important occasions, and was sev-
eral times an assistant or deputy from Newport. He was in
England about the time of the trial and execution of Charles I.,
which it is probable, was the origin of a tradition which has
always existed, that he was one of the judges on the trial of that
unfortunate monarch, and as such his grave is pointed out to
this day. He owned a farm of about seventy acres on the Neck,
and the point extending out from the farm, is called Jeffray's
Point. The extremes of the Neck belonged to Ooggeshall and
Prentdn, while the centre part embraced Price's Neck. We
presume Price was an owner, as well as Jeffray's. He died on
the 2d of June, 1675, at the advanced age of eighty-five years,
and was buried in the common burial place.
Here lieth interred, the body of
WILL. JEFFRAY, GENT.
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON YE 2d DAY OP JUNE, 1675.
In the 85th year of his age.
Since every tomb an epitaph can have,
The muses owe their tribute to this grave —
And to succeeding ages ' recommend
His worthy name, who lived and died their friend.
VIVIT POST TEMERE VIRTUS.
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DISTRESSING ACCIBENT. 67
DISTRESSING ACCIDENT.
Sept. 17, 1744, was memorable for a most distressing acci-
dent, which took place in Newport. A number of gentlemen
had collected on the wharf of Col. Malbern. to view the fitting
out of two privateers, when a quantity of powder, which had
been placed in one of the stores, by some unaccountable means,
exploded, killing or wounding a number of persons.
By this accident, the town lost three of its principal citi-
zens, Wilham Ooddington, Esq., Mr. Glrant, and John Gidley,
Esq., who were either killed or died of their wounds. Mr Ood-
dington was a grandson of Governor Ooddington, and had held
many offices in the colony. Mr, Grant was a native of Scotland,
and a respectable merchant of Newport ; he was the maternal
grandfather of the late Christopher G. Ohamplin; and Mr.
Gidley was an enterprizing merchant, and son of Judge Gidley,
of the Vice- Admiralty Court. The house owned and occupied
by Mr. Gidley, passed from his grandson to the late Major
Bt*eeze, and is now in possession of the heirs of the late Thomas
Breeze, of the United States Navy. The street north, is named
Gidley^ in honor of that gentleman. To those who are fond of
reminiscences, such incidents will prove highly interesting and
amusing. Newport has been the scene of many wonderful
events, and it would be impossible to embody, in a w^ork of this
kind, all of them, but as a record of facts, we have aimed to give
the reader the benefit of the most striking incidents which have
occurred on the island.
Col. "William Ooddington, w^as son of Thomas and Mary Ood-
dington, and grandson of the elder Gov. William Ooddington,
who emigrated from England to Boston with Gov. Winthrop,
in 1630. His first wife was Comfort Arnold, eldest daughter
of Benedict, son or grandson of Gov. Benedict Arnold. OoL
Ooddington was born January 1st, 1690, and was a well-edu-
cated and accomplished gentleman. The Eev. John Callender,
in his century sermon, delivered in Newport, in 1738, which was
dedicated to him, says :
" It is not barely to give you a public testimony of my grati-
tude for many personal favors, nor yet that esteem and respect
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68 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
which all men bear yon, for your singular equity and bene-
volence, not only in private life, but in all the various offices in-
which you have adorned your country,, that I prefix your name
to these papers — but because an attempt to recover some ac-
count of this happy island, and to make a rehgious improvement
of the merciful providence of God towards it, is justly due to
the lineal representative of that worthy gentleman, who was the
great instrument of its original settlement.
" If the following discourse has done any justice to the
memory and character of the pious people who first settled this
colony ; or, if it has any tendency to promote the true^ original
ends of this plantation, I am sure of your patronage. And, as
to what relates to some articles, different from your Judgment
and practice in religious matters, the generosity and candor you
inherit from your great ancestors, will easily bear with me in
endeavoring to ^dndicate my own opinions on such an occasion."'
Such an eulogium, from the pen of the gifted Callender, od
the excellencies oi character whish were possessed by Col. Ood-
dingtoUy and his ancestor Gov, Coddingtan,. place them in the
first rank as the advocates of thos-e sound and liberal principles^
which operated in a most remarkable manner,, m building up
this colony.
It would seem from a perusal of Mr. Oallender's sermon, that
he was entirely free from sectarianism. While he took the
liberty to think for himself, and to make his own deductions, he
left to others the same inherent right, and hence a mutual good-
feeling existed among the different branches of Christ's Church
in Newport, and which has continued to a great degree^ audi
perhaps greater than in any other spot m New-Engl-and.
JOHN CLARKE, AND THE CHAETSR OF 1663.
Having already alluded to John Clarke,, and the important
part which he took in the cause of rehgious liberty, we now
propose to enter more fully on the w^ork^ as this is a point of
vital interest to the inhabitants of the ancient metropolis. Too
long have the laurels been plucked from his brow to grace those
of another, without one voice being raised ia its Gondemnation.
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JOHN CLARKE, AND THE CHARTER OF 1663. 69
Like Americus Yespucius, who stole the glory from Columbus,
to enrich and ennoble his own character, so has the merit been
bestowed on Williams, which pre-eminently belongs to Clarke.
"We have said that owing to the decline of commerce in New-
port, which was her chief support, and which made her the
second commercial emporium in the Colonies, has followed in
its train, a want of self-respect^ in not fearlessly asserting her
just claims, of being the first in the sacred cause of human
rights. Adverse providences in communities, as well as indi-
viduals, are apt to lessen the interest which should ever pre-
dominate in the human mind, to stand by the principles which
were purchased at a great sacrifice by our pious forefathers,
and never permit them to be wrested from us with impunity.
This has been sadly reahzed in the matter now under consider-
ation. There has been a spirit at work in this State which has
operated most sensibly against that true independence of
character, which ought most especially to distinguish this
people above others. A few have assumed to have in posses-
sion all the wisdom, to guide and direct the affairs both of
Church and State, and to crush the least emotion of patriotism,
which has occasionally burst forth from the bosom of others.
It is to this cause alone that we attribute the want of talent so
obviously witnessed in this State. The question is often asked
by those of other States, — ^' Are there no minds in Rhode Island
quahfied to compete with men of other sections, whose abilities
have assisted them to the highest posts of honor and distinc-
tion ?" Our reply bas ever been in the affirmative ; and that
the only cause has arisen from not encouraging and putting
men forward, but rather laboring to hold them back, for fear
that their own ignorance would be the more apparent. What
other valid reason can be offered ? Have we not facilities for
education ? Is there not an institution called Brown University,
which professes to rank high in the scale of hterature ? Then
what prevents the development of mind ? Is the moral soil
sterile and unproductive ? Is this our unhappy lot ? The
reason is too plain and obvious to admit of a question— ^it is the
want of independence to speak out boldly our thoughts ; every
thing has become stereotyped^ in morals and in pohtics, so that
the moment a sentiment is advanced, not in agreement with
previous views, such minds must be sacrificed on the altar of
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70 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND,
prejudice. "While they prate much of the " land of Eoges*
Wiihams," as the hallowed spot where hberty of conscience is
enjoyed, it is, alas, only in theory! while the practical working is
restriction with a vengeance. Now, this spirit did not formerly
exist to that degree in the capital of the State, and God grant
that it never may.. Never let it be said that on the spot w^hich
contains the ashes of a Clarke and a Ooddington^ the people
have became so far recreant to the principles espoused by those
sainted patriots, as to permit the light which emanated from
them to be extinguished forever.
Mr. Clarke procured the Charter, against the combined in-
fluence of Massachusetts, whose appointed agents were Edward
, "Winslow, and John Winthrop.
The honor of obtaining the charter of 1663, belongs to John
Clarke alone ; for^ as Mr. Backus has observed, "There is not
one ward in the first charter about ^ Eeligion, or Liberty of
Conscience.' But John Clarke's charter of Charles the 2d, has
it fully expressed." — -Backus, vol. 1, p. 91. Now when it is
considered that Mr. Clarke mortgaged his property to go on his
mission, and was absent tw^elve years from his family ; and at
the court of Charles 2d5 labored assiduously to procure the
instrument, and did procure it, — who, we ask, has the right to
share with him the honor ? It was his concihating mannerSj^
which was the means in the accomplishment of the object. It
was a most remarkable instrument, considering the source from
whence it emanated. It granted every thing which Mr. Clarke
wished or desired, and the State would have been far better
off, had they remained under it to this day. Tor, in throwing
it off, so far from improving their liberties, the result has been
a diminution of their political rights..
In Allen'' s Biographical Dictionary^ article, " Clarke, John,—
On the principles afterwards set forth in the ' Declaration of
American Independence,' as you have justly observed ; and,
perhaps, Mr. Editor, you may not be aware of the fact, that
Mr. Jefferson himself stated to a gentleman of this State, now
deceased, w^ho visited him about twenty years ago, that he
derived those principles from our ancestors, with whose history
and writings he seemed to be minutely acquainted, and espe-
cially of Mr. Clarke, of whom he spoke, highly contrasting him
with Williams, Locke, &c., and preferring him for his mildj
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JOHN CLARKE, AND THE CHARTER OF 1663. 71
yet firm consistency with which lie maintained the great principles
which he promulgated contemporaneously with Williams, (while
Locke was forty years behind them,) and for his persevering,
self sacrificing, and efficient efforts in estabhshing them in the
charter he procured of Charles II. To Mr. Clarke, he gave the
credit of being the author^ as well as procurer of that charter.
And here I would observe, that great injustice has been done to
Mr. Clarke, in ascribing to Mr. Williams the authorship of that
charter ; and why deprive Mr. Clarke, whose ability, dihgence,
and interest in the hearts of our superiors our fathers praised
and confided in, of the credit due to his services ? Was he in-
ferior to Mr. WiUiams in talents, education, weight of charac-
ter, influence, or efficiency of service ? I believe it to be suscep-
tible of proof, that he was not, in either.
Neither was Mr. Wilhams in England at the time,— he went
in company with Mr. Clarke, in 1651, but returned in 1654,
while Mr. Clarke continued steadily at his post, to look after the
interests of the colony, contending with the agents of Massachu-
setts and Connecticut, until 1663. And the charter which he
procured of King Charles, contains no principles which Mr.
Clarke had not maintained before he left Rhode Island. Indeed,
as early as the 12th of March, 1640, long before the settlements
were united, the Assembly of the island, solemnly recognized
the great principles of civil and rehgious liberty, and passed the
^' first legislative act on record, relating to liberty of conscience."
— Monday's Gourrier^ in relation to the late " New-England
Eestival" in New- York,
Here is an admission which we are very happy to chronicle.
Thus, the claim of Mr. Williams, resting as it does, on the sup-
posed influence of Sir Henry Fane, must fall, and the charter
must stand as the charter of John Clarke, and he be allowed to
share equally with Mr. Williams, the high honor of estabhshing
the first government in the wprld, which gave to all, equal civil
and religious liberty.
To Mr. Clarke, the colony of Rhode Island was, in our opinion,
indebted in a greater degree, than to any other of her founders.
He was the original projector of the settlement of the island, and
one of its first and oldest civihans. In reducing the government
to order, Mr. Clarke was much relied on, and held the first rank
in legislative intelhgence. He was to the rude and boisterous
materials among which his lot was east, what the pendulum is
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72 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND.
to the time-piece. "We never find him engaged in angry contro-
versy with those of different persuasions ; but, on the contrary,
endeavoring to practice and estabHsh what he professed, tolera-
tion to all. — Memoirs of Rhode Island.
After Mr. Clarke's return, he was ^' improved'^'' in various
public, offices, was elected Deputy Governor, three years suc-
cessively, in two of which he accepted the office, but all the con>
cerns of the State did not prevail with him, as it has done with
many, to neglect the affairs of religion.
We think that it would be fully as appropriate to call it the
land of Clarke as of Wilhams, after having read the evidence
which has been offered, of who was the actual procurer of the
charter of Charles II., in 1663.
It behooves the inhabitants of Newport, to speak of his name
and to venerate his worth. Let it be emblazoned on some
pubHc building, '' to be known and read of all men,'' that
our children may learn to esteem a man who has bequeathed to
them, such inestimable privileges. Many scarcely know that
such a one ever existed, or fulfilled his part so well. Be it
our duty to rescue from oblivion, his name and noble deeds,
which were appreciated by so gifted a mind as Jefferson's.
The subject is a fruitful one, and might be extended, but we
are reminded that in a work like this, brevity is required, in
order to glance at the various events which have occurred in
our history.
Let the Plantations exult and triumph in its founder, Eoger
Wilhams, while the State of Khode Island, of which Newport
is the capital, should continue to glory in the memory of the
sainted, patriotic John Clarke, its founder and benefactor, whose
moral character has never been surpassed, and his piety never
been questioned.
1666. Dr. John Clarke was appointed by the Assembly to
digest the laws.
THE KECEPTION OF THE CHARTEU BY THE PEOPLE
OF NEWPORT.
This Charter was received with great joy. It was brought
from Boston by Capt. Gleorge Baxter, and was read pubhcly
at Newport, Nov. 24, 1663. The records say :
^' The said letters, with His Majesty's royal stamp, and the
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EECEPTION OF THE CHARTER BY THE PEOPLE.
73
broad seal, with much becoming gravity, were held up on high,
and presented to the pubhe view of the people."
Thanks were voted to the King, to the Earl of Clarendon,
and to Mr. Clarke, together with a resolution to pay all his ex-
penses, and to present him with £100. It was also voted that
£25 slerhng be paid to Capt. George Baxter from the colony,
for his services as bearer of the Charter. This was a proud day
for Newport — she appeared in her true dignity, and felt her
superiority.
The first Assembly under the Charter, the fundamental law
of the State, was held at Newport, March 4th, 1663-4. Mr.
Benedict Arnold was created by the Charter, the first Governor,
"Wilham Brenton, Lieut. Governor, and "William Baulston, Wil-
liam Field, John Greene, John Coggeshall, Joseph Clarke,
James Barker, Eoger WiUiams, Thomas Olney, John Porter,
Bandal Houlden, assistants.
The following are the names of the deputies who were re-
turned from Newport : John Card, Eichard Tew, John Cran-
ston, William Byre, John Gould, and Caleb Car, afterwards
Governor of the State.
At this session the Seal of the colony was fixed. An anchor,
with the word Hope, over it, and the words Bhode Island and
Providence Plantations, as follows :
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74 THE HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
It was votodthat the island called Patience, be added and
joined to Portsmouth.
This was the commencement of anew era in the history of the
State, and the people continued to venerate this charter until
within a few years, when it was thought that too great inequal-
ity existed in the representation, and in the elective franchise,
but the effects which followed the attempt to change the mode
and form of government, being of so painful and ludicrous a
character, has rather led us to doubt whether, on the whole, we
have actually gained or lost, by throwing aside the charter and
adopting a Constitution, which is now the fundamental law of
the State.
An extension m theory and in practise, is quite a different
thing ; there may be the semblance of liberty, while liberty does
not in fact, exist. It would have been full as pohtic to have
retained the charter, and extended suffrage to every native-horn
citizen, with such other improvements as were necessary, as to
have abandoned an instrument which embodied so many privi-
leges, and under which the State so long enjoyed peace, happi-
ness, and prosperity. But steam power is now in operation, and
we must get off the track.
THE CHAIR OF STATE.
The old chair of state, in which Governor Benedict Arnold
sat at the reception of the charter in 1663, when it was pro-
claimed in the presence of all the freemen of the Colony, at
Newport, is still in being, though somewhat shorn of its pris-
tine honors. It belongs to our respected fellow-citizen, Isaac
Gould, Esq., at whose house in Thames-street, it may at any
time be seen.
A TALE OF TIMES PAST,— IN THE DAYS OF GOVERNOR
BENEDICT ARNOLD.
" Old chair, no longer aches the head,
Of him who sat in stately pride
On thy oak seat, whilst heralds read
What moderns now deride —
The ' Charter !' "
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THE CHAIR OF STATE. 75
" On a bright summer's day, as sweetly shone the sun,
Th« streets of Newport echoed, to the sound of gun and drum ;
And bravely shone each officer, with pointed bead and lace,
And lovely smiVd each maiden, to all of the olden race,
Arnold a brave war-horse strode, which proudly tramped the way,
Pursued his course, with tabours bright, look'd decorous and gay ;
Loud cheers ascended high, from tower, and tent, and shore,
As troop on troop of soldiers grim, pass'd by with trumpet's roar.
Banner and pennon, waving wide, on arquebuss and blade,
Seem'd proudly brave, and shone with joy, on Newport's gay parad©^
On a bright canopy, covered o'er, with crimson cloth and gold.
On which was wrought by skilful hands, heraldic emblems bold*
Stood this Old Chair of by-gone days, the Charter's oaken seat,
Whereon emblazon'd, rich and gay, did England's arms complete
The Chair, — with fitting panoply, high backed, strong, and grand,
That old oak Chair, look'd gaily there, forever may it stand.
' Long live King Charles !' the heralds cried, and thousands did reply.
While Arnold, with a noble grace, sat in the old chair high ;
Lady high-born, and lovely maid, knight, squire, and page were seeDj
Disporting on that gala day, in garments rich and sheen.
The heavens smil'd, the birds sang gay, and music fiU'd the air.
On that bright day of pageantry, thou olden oaken Chair ;
But many a year has long gone by, and all those glories fled,
While he who sat upon that seat, now sleeps among the dead.
And save his crumbling gra/e-stone dim, with tall grass overgrowDj
With letters dim, to tell of him, old Chair, thou art alone ;
That dream has fled, and gay no more, the world glides careless by.
The Chair of State no more is great, or glitters in the eye."
Newport being tlie metropolis, as she was the most fiov/rish-
ing and populous town in the Colony, the freemen of the whole
Colony assembled there, to vote for general officers for the year
ensuing, agreeably to " An Act regulating the Elections of
General Officers."
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76 HISTOS.Y OF RHODE ISLAND,
LAWS,
Made and passed by the General Assembly of His Majesty's
Colony of Ehode Island, and Providence Plantations, begun
and held at Newport, the first day of March, 1663-1664 :
" And that each and every person that shall vote by 'proxy ^
shall, on the Tov^n Meeting-day next preceding the General
Election, openly, in said meeting, deliver in his votes to the
Town- Clerk of the town wherein he dwells, with his name
written at length on the backside or the bottom thereof, which
votes so taken shall be immediately sealed np by the Town=
Clerk, and by him delivered either to an Assistant Justice,
Warden, or Deputy of said town, who shall be by the said
Town-meeting appointed for the same ; by him delivered to
the Governor or Deputy Governor in open Court, before the
Election proceed at Newport."
This was the origin of the word " Prox," or " Proxing-
day.'»
It will be seen that the privilege granted by the above Act
of voting by proxy at the General Election at Newport, seems
first to have become a law at this time. But voting in person,
at Newport, (if the freeman preferred it,) was not aboHshed
until August, 1760, nearly one hundred years afterwards.
This was done for the better accommodation of those who,
living at a remote distance from Newport, could not make it
convenient always to attend in person. But such were the
attractions at the capital, that all that could attend, availed
themselves of the privilege of being present, and enjoying the
amusements, which were of the most interesting and pleasing
character.
Tradition informs us, that a sloop filled with freemen, was
purposely run on the Bishop Eock, in order to favor one party,
at the expense of the other. It was a common practice to get
some of the freemen '^ half-seas" over, and then land them on
Prudence Island, or some other of the intermediate places, in
order to prevent their voting.
The head-quarters in Newport, where they immediately
repaired on their arrival, was Governor Wanton's, and Governor
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ARE EST OF JOHN CL/iRKE, //
Whepple'Sy in Thames-street, and others, where sumptuous
tables were spread, inchiding wines and Hquors of the choicest
kinds, such as is rarely found at this day, and the effects fol-
lowing their indulgence, often led to angry discussion, aod
even to fisti-cuffing between the belligerent parties.
It must have been a novel sight^ to have witnessed the crowds
which congregated at Newport, under their respective cham-
pions, nobly " battling" for their political preferences. The
largest liberty was then enjoyed, each one felt that they pos-
sessed the sovereign right to speak out, and act out, their
undisguised sentiments, without fear or favor. Political hypo-
crites, were not then so abundant ; and political principle was
not then, as now, " five loaves and two small fishes," as the
late Hon. John 0. Calhoun once remarked.
It should be borne in mind, that there was no " gag law" in
operation, and no proscription tolerated. Moral courage was
a virtue, which then animated the breast of man, and which
would not allow him to pay a blind devotion at the shrine of
Mammon, and thereby barter away his political rights for a
" mess of pottage."
Independence of character was the characteristic of the
period, agreeably to the principles adopted by the early settlers
of the islandy and which had been sanctioned and approved by
the freemen on the main.
Mr. Callender, in speaking of John Clarke, says, " He was a
faithful and useful minister, courteous in all the relations of life,
and an ornament to his profession, and to the several offices
which he sustained. His memory is deserving of lasting honor^
for his efforts towards establishing the first government in the
world, which gave to all equal civil and religious liberty. To
no man is Rhode Island more indebted than to him. He' was
the original projector of the settlement of the island, and one
of its ablest legislators. No character in Nevf England is of
purer fame than John Clarke."
It could scarcely be thought possible that so good a man as-
Mr. Clarke could have been arrested in the godhj State of Mas-
sacMtsetts^ and thrust into prison 1 and this on Lord's day^
July 20th, 1651 ; and on the 31st of that month, by order of
fche Court of Assistants, held in Boston, Mr. Clarke and breth-
ren, received the following sentence, viz. : Mr. Clarke pay £20^
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78 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND.
or be severely whipped ; Mr. Holmes, £30, or be whipped ;
and Mr. Orandall, £5, or be whipped ;•— and this alone for
conscience toward God, in differing from their brethren in
Massachusetts, on the subject of " Infant Baptism." None
suffered whipping but Mr. Holmes, who received thirty stripes,
administered with the greatest imaginable severity."-— i^oss's
Historical Discourse,
It is no wonder that Mr. Clarke labored to procure a charter,
granting to all civil and religious liberty, after having experi-
enced such intolerance on the part of the Massachusetts
rulers.
Mr. Clarke died on the 20th April, 1676, in the 66th year of
his age. Mr. Backus says, " he was born October the 8th,
1609 ; married Elizabeth, the daughter of John Harges, Esq.,
of Bedfordshire, England. In a power of attorney signed by
them, May 12, 1656, he styles himself, ' John Clarke, physician,
of London.' It was for the recovery of a legacy of £20 per
annum, that was given her by her father, out of the Manor of
Westingworth, Bedfordshire. Where he had his education, I
know not ; but the following clause in his will, may give some
idea of his learning, viz. : 'Item,— -unto my loving friend,
Eichard Bayley, I give and bequeath my Concordance, and
Lexicon thereto belonging, written by myself, being the fruit
of several years' study; my Hebrew Bible, Buxtorff's and
Parson's Lexicon, Cotton's Concordance, and all the rest of my
books.' His first wife died without issue. His second wife
was Mrs. Mary Fletcher, who died April 19th, 1672, leaving an
only daughter, who died at the age of 1 1 years. His third
wife was the widow, Sarah Davis, who survived him. Mr.
Clarke, according to his request, was buried between his two
wives, in the burial ground, on the west side of Tanner-street,
(which lot he gave the Church.) He left also an estate of con-
siderable value, in the hands of trustees, empowered to choose
their successors, for the rehef of the poor and the education of
children, according to instructions given in his will,— which
instructions are, ' That in the disposal of that which the Lord
hath bestowed upon me, and with which I have now entrusted
you, and your successors, shall have special regard and care ;
to provide for those that fear the Lord ; and in all things, and
at all times, so to discharge the trust which I have reposed in
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BEQUEST OF JOHN CLARKE. 79
you, as may be most to the glory of God, and the good and
benefit of those for whom it is by me especially intended."
Mr. Clarke's estate was prized at £1080 12s., by James
Barker, Thomas Ward, and Philip Edes, who made oath to the
inventory, May 17, 1696. The farm and neck, they apprized at
£530, and its late annual income has beeii $220, as Josias Lyn-
don, Esq., one of the assigns, stated. The two farms in Mid-
dletown, contain about one hundred and fifty acres, and the rents
arising from the same, at the present time, amount to $700 per
annum.
It is very evident that Mr. Clarke designed the gift to benefit
the poor, and to educate the children of the church. Eor no
language could have been employed, more significant than he
has employed : '^ You, and your successors, shall have special
regard and care to provide for those who fear the Lord." They
were the objects of his regard, and he felt constrained, as a
Christian, that the sheep and lambs of the flock should be pro-
vided for, and not permitted to want, which would be a gross
reflection on the Christian character. This will, we conceive,
has been perverted from the original intent of the donor, by ap-
propriating a portion of the income to the support of the minis-
try, to the neglect of the poor. We are not apprised whether
any case at present exists, where the poor and indigent have
occasion to seek shelter in the town Asylum ; we trust, for the
honor of our native town, that such i^ not the case. Such, how-
ever, has been the painful fact, and so long as the poor of the
church are not sought out and made comfortable, not one dollar
of the Clarke bequest should be appropriated to the support of
the ministry. The " glory of God," which has been construed
to favor the diversion of this gift, can in no higher sense be pro-
moted, than in feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked ; for
God's glory consists essentially, in his goodness. Gov. Lyndon
owned the house which he gave the Society for a parsonage,
but which unfortunately has passed into other hands.
Mr. Clarke left three brothers — Thomas, Joseph, and Carew.
The numerous family of Clarkes, of Ehode Island, mostly sprung
from them. Joseph Clarke settled in Westerly, E. I. We find
that the Eev. Joseph Clarke, jr., was in the Seventh-Day Bap-
tist church of Westerly, now Hopkinton, also the Eev. Joseph
Clarke, sen., stands enrolled as a member of said church. In
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80 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
1692 J he was clerk of said chm-chj and resigned that office May
21, 1708, and Joseph Clarke, jr., was appointed to fill that place.
Rev. Joseph Clarke was ordained Aug. 12th, 1712. Eev. Thos.
Clarke was ordained as elder, Oct. 2, 1750. Eev. Joshua Clarke,
his son, was ordained as elder, in May, 1768, All the foregoing
Clarkes, except John, have been pastors of the church of Hop-
kinton, then Westerly. — From the Church Records,
Judge Samuel Clarke, of Portsmouth, E. I., is in regular
descent from this highly distinguished family. He has six broth-
ers and two sisters, now living at Clarkesville, Brookfield, N. Y.
The Hon. John H. Clarke, Senator to Congress, from Ehode
Island, is also of the same family, and has distinguished himself
in the va;rious important stations which he has been called to
occupy. Also W, Edward Clarke, Esq., of Providence, who
has in his possession the Bible, formerly belonging to John
Clarke.
TO THE MEMORY OF
DOCTOR JOHN CLARKE,
One of the original purchasers and proprietors of this Island ; and one of the
founders of the First Baptist Church in Newport, its first
pastor, and munificent benefactor.
He died on the 20th of April, 1676, in the 66th year of his age ;
And is here Interred.
THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED BY HIS TRUSTEES.
May the descendants of the Clarke's follow the example of
their illustrious predecessor.
Jeremiah Clarke. — "We have not been able to trace any con-
nection between this family and that of John Clarke, one of the
first settlers. It is possible that they were remotely connected,
though we should rather be inclined to donbt' it. Jeremiah
Clarke was Governor of the colony in 1745, and died in New-
port, lith month, 1751, and was buried in a tomb which now
stands by the water side. — Friends^ Records.
He was father of Grovernor Walter Clarke. Weston Clarke,
the Eecorder, and Eev. James Clarke, of the Second Baptist
church of Newport, were grandsons of Jeremiah Clarke. They
were among the early settlers of Newport. Many of their des-
cendants have been highly respectable.
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THE COMMERCIAL RELATIONS OF NEWPORT. 81
There is a tradition that this family originated from the Hon.
Lewis Latham, who was Falconer to His Majesty, King Charles
L This was an office of distinction. He is also said to havo
been an illegitimate child of King Charles, the sot, and lived to
the advanced age of 100 years. This Latham subsequently mar-
ried, and had two daughters, one of whom married Eandal
Houlden, of Warwich, one of the original settlers, and the other
a Clarke, the father of Jeremiah, and the grandfather of Walter
Clarke, and these are the descendants of said, Lewis Latham.
The name of Latham is often found as the Christian name of
families in Newport. We had in our possession, until within
a few years, a portrait of Lewis Latham, but by some -unac-
countable neghgence on the part of the person who had it in
charge, it cannot be found. He was a venerable looking man,
with a long flowing beard reaching to his bosom : there was also
a coat of arms appended. We think that, considering all the
circumstances, Jeremiah Clarke, the father of Walter, could
not have been related to John. Walter Clarke was, how-
ever, a distinguished man in the colony.^ He owned the land
from the corner of the Parade, as far as to the Jonathan Marsh
estate, afterwards belonging to Wm. I. Tilley, to the water,
and extending to Clarke-street, named in honor of him. There
is one singular fact connected with the Clarkes of Rhode Island,
that the name ends with an ^' e,'' by which they can be distin-
guished from the other famihes who bear the name.
We have said much more of this family, especially of John
Clarke, than we otherwise should have done, had there not been
a disposition on the part of historians, to treat his name and
good deeds with indifference, in order to exalt Eoger Williams,
and Providence, of which he was the founder, at the expense of
the honor and glory of Newport.
THE COMMERCIAL RELATIONS OF NEWPORT.
As late as 1769, Newport outri vailed New- York, in her for-
eign and domestic commerce. The inhabitants of New- York,
New-Haven, New-London, &c., depended entirely on Newport
for a market to supply themselves with foreign goods, and here
they found a ready market for the produce of their own States.
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82 HISTORY OF HHODE . ISLAND.
Her merchants were among the most enterprising and wealthy.
Mr. Aaron Lopez, is said to have employed more than thirty
sail of vessels, of different descriptions, at one time. Mr. Lopez
was the first, or among the first, to push the whahng business
as far as the Falkland Islands. Ool. Godfrey Malborn, was an
extensive ship-owner, and did much in building up the town, of
which we shall speak more particularly. Jonathan Nichols
was an enterprising merchant of Newport, and son of Deputy-
Governor Nichols ; he Was distinguished for his enterprise, pub-
lic spirit, hospitality , and charity — rare virtues combined. He was
extensively engaged in foreign commerce, and owned at the time
of his death, sixteen sail of vessels. His residence was the estate
on the Point, now owned by the heirs of the late Hon. "Wilham
Hunter, which at that time had one of the best wharfs and
ranges of stores in Newport, all of which he built. The work-
manship of the interior of this house, is truly elegant and costly ;
the stair- ways being of English oak, and twisted, with the rich
carved pannel work, shows the taste of its former owner, and
the great superiority of the ancient buildings over the modern.
There is also the Oheesborough estate, at present belonging to
the heir of the late Hon. C. G. Ohamphn ; the Eedwood House,
on Bridge-street, now in possession of the w^idow Pierce ; the
Tillinghast property, now in possession of Gov. W. 0. Gibbs ; the
Eedwood House in Thames street, with its heavy iron gate, now
the residence of the widow of 8. P, Gardner, Esq. ; and the Gov.
"Wanton estate, in Thames street, with others, which clearly
proves that a sad deterioration has taken place in the mode and
manner of building, and corresponds well with the minds of the
present age. Mr. Nichols was for many years a deputy from
Newport, afterwards an assistant, and at the time of his death
was Deputy Governor of the Colony. He died on the 8th of
September, 1756. He was great-grandfather to Edward Hazard,
Esq., of the Park House, Newport.
Messrs. E. and P. Malborn, Henry Oolhns, the "Wantons, and
many other merchants, also did an immense business before the
revolution. The remains of the foundations of old wharves,
from Eobinson's Wharf on the Point, to Overing's at the ex-
treme south, a distance of one mile, which at that interesting
period were crowded with commerce, will give the reader some
idea of the prosperity of Newport,
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THE COMMERCIAL RELATIONS OF NEWPORT. 83
The town at this time was in the zenith of her commercial
prosperity. The population is said to have been 12,000. She
had about two hundred vessels employed in the foreign trade,
and between three and four hundred coasting vessels, including
a regular line of London packets, and employing no less than
twenty -two hundred seamen.
Such was the amount of business done at that period, that
goods were not stored, owing to the want of room, while the
wharves were literally covered with merchandize, viz. : sugar^
rum, molasses, and every kind of foreign and domestic articles.
The coasters would take on board the merchandize, as before
remarked, and proceed to New-York and Connecticut, where
there was a quick demand, which went to build up and enrich
the town of Newport
We have been told an anecdote of Capt. Hicks, of Warren,
who, coming to this port with a load of hoop-poles, found great
difficulty in finding a place to land, having passed every wharf
without finding room for his cargo, until he reached Overing's
wharf at the extreme south of the town.
Her West India trade was immensec This grew partly out
of the quantity of rum which was there distilled, there being, in
full hlast^ about thirty distilleries. This gave constant employ-
ment to coopers, — their shops were to be found on almost every
wharf— brass-founders, and to draymen, and others, for all par-
ticipated in the benefits resulting from this extensive trade.
There was around the Cove, some ten or twelve distilleries, as
the remains of the old cisterns plainly show.
Simon Newton owned two ; the great-grandfather of the firm
of E. P. Newton, brothers, Samuel Johnson, the Eich-
ardsons, and William Burroughs, each owned a distillery. In
this section of the town, the business done was immense. There
was seven wharves in the Gove, and before the Long Wharf
were extended, vessels entered the Cove and discha,rged their
cargoes ; and subsequently, through the drawbridge.
The town, at the same time, contained seventeen manufac-
turers of sperm oil and candles,' also three sugar refineries, one
brewery, and five or more rope walks.
Tweedy, apothecary, a large importer and exporter of
drugs ; such was his business, that he supplied Rhode Island, a
part of Massachusetts, all Connecticut and North Carolina, with
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84 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND,
drugs, and had an establishment in New- York, where mer-
chants might ascertain his prices ;. this appeared from his books-,
when in the hands of the late Dr. Edmund T. Waring.
Stephen Dellois, Esq., had a large wholesale hardware store^
as also Stephen Ayrault, Samuel Ayrault, Thomas Wilkinson,
These were all importers, and did an extensive business. New-
port, at this period, was the grand emporium of trade. We
have heard aged men remark, ' that they have known of the
arrival of eighteen West Indiamen in one day." It was said,
at that period, however strange it may sound, " that possibly
New- York might, in time, equal Newport." A degree of
activity then prevailed, which would astonish us at this day.
CUSTOM HOUSE RECORDS.
It IB to be regretted that the books and papers at this period
are lost, in the regular set, which would have afforded us cor-
rect statistics of the amount of merchandize imported into
Newport,
We have procured, quite incidentally, from Mrs. Dudley^
widow of the late Hon. Charles Dudley, Esq.,, former Mayor
of Albany,, who was the only son of Charles Dudley, Esq. ^
Collector under the Crown, some portions of the records of the
CustomSj which will aid the reader in forming an opinion of the
extent of commerce at the period of 1768-9. These quarterly
returns were forwarded from England by the executor of
Charles Dudley, Esq,, a few years since. What became of the
regular set of books, and papers, belonging to the Customs, is
entirely unknown.
It appears by the books and papers in the author's possession^
that in the year 1768-9, the entries and clearances amounted to
some hundreds of vessels.
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CUSTOM HOUSE RECGUDS. 85
" INSTEUCTIONS,
BY THE CGMMISSIONEItS OF HIS MAJESTY's CUSTOMS IN AMERICA,
To GHAELE8 DUDLEY, Esq.,
Who is appointed Oollector of the Customs, at the Port
of Rhode Island^ in America.
^^ You being deputed to be Collector of the Customs at the
Port of Ehode Mandj and you having given bond to His
Majesty, with sufficient security, in the sum of one thousand
poimds sterling^ for the due execution of said employment, you
are to take the following oath, besides the oaths prescribed by
the Act of 1st C-eo. kt, 13, before you enter upon your
office.
{form of oath.]
" I^ ^ , ^ do swear, to he true and faithful in the
execution^ to the best of my knoivledge and power ^ of the trust
committed to my charge and inspection^ in the service of His
Majesty'' s Customs / and that I wiil not take any Reward or
Gratuity ^ directly or indirectly^ other than my Salary^ and
tvhat is or shall he allowed me from the Crown^ or the regular
Fees established by Law^ for any service done^ or to be done^ in
the execution of my employment in the Customs^ on any account
ivhatBoever.
" So help me God.
Collectors,
Comptrollers,
Lamd Surveyors and S^aarcherSy
Land Waiters,
Tide Surveyors,
Tides-men,
Coast Surveyors and Riding Officers,
Waiters and Searchers, and Preventive Officers,
Boatmen or Watermen."
£Erom the original printed Instructions, in a pamphlet form^
containing thirty-nine pages.]
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86
HISTORY OF EHODE ISLAND.
■ Amount of Molasses imported into Newport, for the Quarter
ending the 10th of October, 1769,— -3,001) hogsheads. The
Names of the Vessels which brought the same, with the
Masters and Owners :
Ship's Name.
Sally
Eanger
Eecovery
Industry
Betsy
Hope
Adventure
Diamond
Nancy
Pinnock
Abigail
Speedwell
Dolphin
Polly
Polly
Dolphin
Master^s Name,
Simon Smith
Jeremiah Cranston
James Eathbone
John Peters
J ohn StantoB
Phineas Gilbert
WilHam Ladd
Joram Place
Joseph Littleiield
Sabinus Palmer
G-eorge Polland
John Briggs
James Thomas
Joshua Bliven
Griles Stanton
Henry Weeden
Wbere from.
Surinam
Hispaniola
do.
Jamaica
St. Lucia
Hispaniola
do.
do.
St.Eustatia
Jamaica
St. Lucia
Jamaica
Hispaniola
Jamaica
do.
do.
Merchant's name.
Jos. & "Wm. WantoB
Peleg Thurston & Son
Aaron Lopez
Silas Cook
Myer Pollock
ChristopherChampliD
John Colhns
Myer Pollock
Henry Bowers
John PI etcher
William Eeed
William Vernon
E. & P. Malborn
George Gibbs
Charles Wickham
CHAELES DUDLEY, Collector,
JOHN NICHOLL, Comptroller,
Port of Ehode Island,
Quarter ending 10th of October, 1769."
The amount of duties paid was $4,000. It should be borne
in mind, however, that it was considored just and equitable ta
rob the king of the revenue. Hence, but a portion of the
cargoes was entered at the Custom-house,* while the remainder
was run. The officers of the Customs under the Crown, were
not very conscientious \ and it has been said that a guinea, being
placed over one eye, had considerable effect, while another
guinea rendered them blind to what was going on. The bulk
of the cargoes was placed on board of coasters and sent off ;
this was usually done in the night, as being a more favorable
time to accomplish their object. Aii aged man, who was
employed on Col. Malborn's wharf, informed the author, that
" the scenes enacted there, indicated spirit and activity, rarely
witnessed in any commercial town, even at this dayJ^
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CUSTOM HOUSE RECORDS. 87
" Dudley, Appellant, — Shaw, Eespondent.
. V '^ Colony of Ehode Island, &c. )
^ ' *' Court of Vice- Admiralty. )
^' George the Third, by the Grace of God,
of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King,
Defender of the Faith, &c.
" To the Marshal of our Court of Vice- Admiralty, &c., or to
his lawful Deputy, — Greeting :
" Whereas, an information was tiled in our Court of Vice-
Admiralty, by Eobert Keeler, Esq., Commander of His Majes-
ty's ship, the Mercury, against one hundred and nine casks of
molasses, and two casks of coffee, for violation of the acts of
Parliament ; and on the twenty-eighth of November last past, the
Hon. John Andrews, Esq., decree was promulgat^ed, whereby
the said one hundred and nine casks of molasses, and two casks
of coffee, were condemned and forfeited, and did further order
and decree that said molasses and coffee be sold at a public
vendue, and the monies arising from the sale thereof, to be dis-
tributed agreeably to act of Parliament, &c.
" You are therefore hereby required, pursuant to the afore-
said decree, to sell the said one hundred and nine casks of
molasses, and two casks of coffee, this instant, being the fifth
day of March, A. D., 1773, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, to the
highest bidder, for sterling money, and you are to make true
return of said sale, into the Register's office of said Court.
Witness^ John Andrews, Esq.,
Commissary and Judge of said Court, at Newport, the 5th day
of March, A. D., 1773, and in the thirteenth year of our reign.
Thomas Vernon Dep^Uy Register. ^^
'' Neivport, March 5, 1773.
" At ten o'clock in the forenoon, pursuant to the within war-
rant, I have sold one hundred and seven casks of molasses, con-
taining 9,813 gallons, to Charles Dudley, Esq.,
at 10(i sterling, per gallon, £408 17 6
And two casks of coffee, to ditto, weight, 364
lbs., at Qd per lb., 9 2
£417 19 6
The said Charles Dudley, Esq., being the highest bidder.
William Mumford, Deputy Marshal.'^'*
(A true copy from the original manuscript.)
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88 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND.
POWEU OF ATTORNEY.
" I, Charles Dudley, of Newport, in the County of Newport,
Esq., do hereby make, and appoint, and in my place put James
Honyman, and Henry Marchant, both of Newport, aforesaid,
Esqrs., my attornies, and each of them my attorney in a certain
action of trespass, upon the case commenced and prosecuted by
Nathaniel Shaw, jun., of New-London, in the County of New-
London, and Colony of Connecticut, merchant, against me, the
said Charles Dudley, at the Inferior Court of Common Pleas,
to be held at Providence, for the County of Providence, upon
the third Monday of June, A. D., 1773. And do hereby em-
power the said James Honyman, and Henry Marchant, jointly,
and each of them separately, and by himself, in my name, and
to appear in the Inferior Court aforesaid, or in any other Court
whatsoever, and there to plead, defend, and pursue to final
judgment and execution, with full power of substitution.
^' "Witness my hand and seal, the 14th day of June, A. D., 1775,
and in the thirteenth year of His Majesty's reign, George the
Third, King, &c, Charles Dudley, (l. s.)
" Signed, sealed, and delivered,
in presence of
John Grelea, jun.,
Ben. Peckhami."
" Newport, ss. — At Newport, upon the day and year afore-
said, in his proper person, cometh Charles Dudley, above-named,
and acknowledged the above power of attorney to be his act
and deed. Before J. Grelea, jun., Justice of the Feace^
A true copy from the original manuscript in the author's pos-
session. This action grew out of the seizure and sale of the
molasses and coffee above-named.
George Rome, Esq., (pronounced Room,) was a native of
England, and for several years a successful merchant of New*
port. He owned a valuable house, with a wharf and stores, on
Easton's Point, on the spot known as Gibbs' ship-yard, where he
carried on an extensive business. On the commencement of
hostilities, he returned to England, and his valuable pro-
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CUSTOM HOUSE RECORDS. 89
perty in Newport and Narragansett, was confiscated. He
lived in splendor, and entertained his friends with sumptuous
hospitality. He had a summer residence in Narragansett, which
he styled " Bachelor's Hall." He occasionally gave large par-
ties, at which the ladies and gentlemen of Boston, Newport, and
Narragansett, would equally mingle. Punch was the fashion-
able beverage at that period, and the entertainment at " Bache-
lor's Hall" was extravagant.
In the Stamp Act excitement, he strongly espoused the cause
of the Crown. The gross charge of Mr. Rome, of corruption
and partiahty, against the Legislature, the Courts and Juries of
the Colony, with the advice to annul the charter, and create a
government more dependent on the Crown, produced an exas-
peration too powerful to be withstood, and apprehending dan-
ger, soon after his release from prison, he fled on board of the
Eose, man-of-war, then lying in Narragansett Bay.
Having noticed the extensive business of Mr. Rome, on the
Point, we would also notice the manufacturers of furniture,
w^hich at that period was quite extensive on the Point, and
which was shipped to foreign markets. On Bridge- street was
Constant Bayley, Thomas Townsend, Job, Edmond, Christo-
pher, and John ; these all had establishments, and employed a
great number of hands, manufacturing furniture, for which a
ready market was found in New- York and the "West Indies.
John Goddard, and Benjamin Peabody, had also cabinet-
makers' shops on Washington-street, which carried on a large
trade with Surinam.
On the east side of "Washington- street and corner of the Long
Wharf, stood the store of Joseph Hammond, a shipping mer-
chant, who built the large house, since known as the Washing-
ton House.
Next, north, stood the spermaceti works of Myer Pollock,
who was extensively engaged in manufacturing oil and candles,
and stored large quantities of goods for others.
The stores of David Huntington and Benjamin Barker, w^ere
also on the Point ; both these men were extensively engaged in
manufacturing furniture, which they shipped to New-York and
the West Indies. Besides the above, there were three tanneries
on the same street, and all in successful operation ; they were
owned by Robert Taylor, WiUiam Potter, and Bently.
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90 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
Holmes' Wharf, was a great place for business ; on it stood
Carter's cooper's shop, Monroe's block-maker's shop, Graftin's
sail-loft, and over that a rigging loft.
Bowen's ship-yard.
John Colhn's wharf and store ; he was engaged in successful
trade until the war, when the British destroyed his property,
one house excepted.
During the war, 17 buildings were destroyed on Bridge-
street.
It will, no doubt, appear quite novel to the reader to be made
acquainted with these facts, when contrasted with present ap-
pearances. But in no section of the town, at that day, was
there want of employment. It was the great commercial mart,
and merchants resorted there, to trade and traffic, as well as to
enjoy the hospitahty of the inhabitants, which was then un-
bounded.
HENEY COLLINS, ESQ.
Henry Colhns, deserves to be recorded with gratitude and
respect. He was a native of Newport, and born March, 1699.
He was educated in England, and on his return to his native
country, adopted the profession of merchant, in which he was
for a time eminently successful. He was a man of cultivated
taste, and fond of literature — he animated and encouraged kin-
dred spirits, and in 1730, with several associates, form.ed a lite-
rary and philosophical society in Newport, which was the first
that was ever formed in the colony, and probably was one of
the earhest in America. This society afterwards comprised
many of the prominent men in the colony, and some in Massa
chusetts and Connecticut. He is said to have been the pro-
jector of the plan for a Library Association, in Newport, for
which purpose he gave the valuable lot of land on which the
edifice of the Eedwood Library waserected, and was for many
years one of the directors of the Institution.
He was a munificent patron of the arts, and by his patronage
to Smybert, Alexander, Tocke, &c., we are indebted for many
valuable paintings of the ancient Patriarchs, which are still to
be found in Newport.
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HENEY COLLINS, ESQ. 91
He formed a gallery of paintings, which the venerable Dr»
Waterhouse remembers to have seen in his youthful days. In
a letter to the Eev. Eomeo Elton, he thus speaks : '' Henry Col-
lins was a wealthy merchant and man of taste— the Lorenzi de Me-
dici, of Rhode Island ; he caused a painting to be made of Parson
Oallender, as well as some other divines, as Hitchcox, Clap, and
Dean Berkley, which I have often admired in the Collins' collec-
tion." The painting of Mr. Clap is now in the possession of the
Congregational church in Spring-street, and we would suggest
to the First Baptist church of Newport, and of America, too,
that they should take immediate measures to obtain the portrait
of Mr. Callender, which has been taken from Newport and
placed in the Historical Building in Providence, where it does
not justly belong. Such things should never be permitted to
exist, without obtaining redress.
Mr. Collins was at the head of every public improvement in
Newport ; as the extension of the Long Wharf, and the building
of the Brick Market, or Granary, in the year 1763. The architect
was Peter Harrison ; it was built after the Ionic order. The
upper story, for many years, was used for a theatre, before it
was altered into a Town Hall.
" Whereas, the Proprietors of the Long Wharf, in Newport,
aforesaid, have made a grant, on the twenty-fourth day of July,
A. D. 1760, to the said town of Newport, of a lot of land, for
erecting a Market House, &c., it is therefore voted, that Mar-
tin Howard and Josias Lydon, Esqrs., be a committee, and they
are hereby confirmed to make and give a good deed of said lot,
to the town of Newport, agreeable to said grant.
" And that the upper part be divided into stores for dry-
goods, and let out to the best advantage ; and all the rents
thereof, together with all the profits that shall arise on said
building, shall be lodged in the Town Treasury of said town
of Newport, towards a stock for purchasing grain, for supplying
a Public Granary forever. And that said building be erected
agreeably to a plan to be agreed on by said Proprietors, to be
estimated at twenty-four thousand pounds, old tenor, to be
raised by the lottery now on foot.
" The lower part thereof for a Market House, and for no other
use whatsoever, forever ; (unless it shall be found convenient to
appropriate some part of it for a watch-house.) A handsome
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92 HISTORY OF KKODE ISLAND.
brick building, to be thirty-three feet in front, or in width,
and about sixty-six feet in length." — From the Records of the
Proprietor of the Long Wharf
It is understood that there is a fine portrait of Mr. Collins
still in being, which is said to be now in possession of some one
of the family of the late Dr. Henry Flagg, of South Oarohna.
It ought to be placed in the Eedwood Library. He was a mem-
ber of the Seventh-Day Baptist church, and was one of the com-
mittee for erecting the house of worship.
Such were the merchants of Newport in the past.
1775. On the 15th of November, Charles Dudley, Esq., the
king's Collector of the Customs for Kh'ode Island, J?e<i for refuge
on board a ship of war. He married the daughter of Eobert
Cranston, of Newport. He died in England, and his family
returned to America. His son was the Hon. Charles Dudley,
of Albany. Mr. Dudley owned, and occupied the seat, a short
distance from Newport, called "Dudley Place," at present
Gwmed by the heirs of the late Governor Charles Collins.
Edward Vanzant, Esq. is the present proprietor of this charm-
ing retreat ; a gentleman of fine manners, who takes delight in
rendering every attention to visitors. Mr. Dudley is said to
have been a man of polished manners ; his portrait, in the cos-
tume of a courtier, shews him off to great advantage, — it is in
the possession of Mrs. Dudley, of Albany. In the weekly
clubs then held in Newport, which embraced men of distinction,
Mr. Dudley was usually one of the guests, and both amused
and edified the company. At this memorable period, Newport
■was far in advance of the other towns and cities in the colonies,
in the refined taste and the enlarged hospitality, which charac-
terized the inhabitants. This arose from the nature of the
education then enjoyed, for where the mind is suffered to vege-
tate without moral culture, the fruit borne will resemble the
grapes of Sodom, or the fabled apples w^hich grew on the mar-
gin of the lake Asphaltites. The education of far too many at
the present day, having been so crude and indigested, that the
lustre, which is shed on the pathway of the intellectual mind,
is not visible.
A fine waiter has remarked of Newport, that ^^ there are few
towns of any magnitude within our broad territory, in which so
little change has been effected in half a century, as m New^port.
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LOSS OF THE BRIG DOLPHINo 9S
Until the vast resources of the interior were developed, the
beautiful island on which it stands, was. a chosen retreat of the
affluent planters of the South, from the heats and diseases of
their burning climate. Here they resorted in crowds, to
breathe the invigorating breezes of the sea. Subjects of the
same government, the inhabitants of the Garolinas and of Ja-
maica met here in amity, to enjoy free interchange of thought
and feehng.
At the interesting period of 1769, the island was never more
inviting and lovely. Its swelhng crests were still crowned
with the wood of centuries : its little vales were covered with
the living verdure of the north ; and its unpretending, but
neat and comfortable villas lay sheltered in groves, and em-
bedded in flowers. The beauty and fertility of the place
gained for it a name, which, probably, expressed far more than
was, at that early day, properly understood. The inhabitants
of the county styled their possessions the " G-arden of America."
Neither were their guests from the scorching plains of the
South, reluctant to concede so imposing a title of distinction.
THE LOSS OF THE BRIG DOLPHIN.
As the commerce of Newport whitened every sea, it was to
be expected that disasters would occasionally occur. But this
event caused painful anguish to many hearts. This year^
1767, was memorable for a melancholy disaster, that took
place on the night of the 26th of August, off Point Judith,
The brig Dolphin, Capt. John Malborn, (son of Evan,) from
Kingston, Jamaica, with a valuable cargo of rum and sugar,
and a, number of passengers belonging to a theatrical company,
took fire, and the vessel and cargo were entirely consumed ;
five female passengers perished in the cabin. The officers and
crew, w^ith the rest of the passengers, escaped to the shore in
boats.
The brig was a new vessel, of 210 tons, belonging to Messrs,
E. & E. Malborn, merchants, of New^port. Among the pas-
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94 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLANDo
seBgers was Mr. Henry, the father of the American stage, and
"William B. Simpson, afterwards a lawyer of Newport.
Mx. Henry's wife and daughter were among those who were
lost It is stated that the cabin-boy was sent below to draw
some rum from a choice cask, and carelessly placing the light
too near, it immediately ignited, and the cask burst ; the report
was like that of cannon.
Oapt. John Dennis was a native of England ; he came to
Ehode island when a boy, having been apprenticed to a ship-
master in the London trade, belonging to Newport. Being of
an active disposition, he soon became master of a vessel. He
greatly distinguished himself by his daring courage, and suc-
cessful enterprise. In 1741, while cruising in the "West Indies,
he so greatly annoyed the French islands, by the capture of
their vessels and privateers, that the authorities of Martinique
fitted out a vessel of 14 guns, and 130 men, expressly for the
purpose of ridding themselves of so troublesome an enemy ; but
in this they were disappointed, for, after an .engagement of
nearly four hours, in which Oapt. Dennis was shghtly wounded,
she was taken possession of by Oapt. Dennis, and carried into
St. Kitt's. Here he received the attention which he had so
justly merited, from the Governor, and other officers of the
island, and who, as a testimony of respect for his valuable ser-
vices, presented him with a golden oar and a purse of fLve
hundred pistoles.
In the war of 1756, Oapt Dennis was selected to command
the privateer ship Tay, of 18 guns, and 180 men, which was
fitted out by the merchants of Newport, for the purpose of
annoying the Spanish commerce. This vessel sailed from New-
port on the 22nd of August, 1756, and was never heard from
after saihng.
He left a large family ; among his sons was the late Oapt.
Thomas Dennis, for many years an enterprising merchant of
Newport, and the late Oapt. Wilham Dennis, a revolutionary
patriot, who commanded, during the contest for Independence,
no less than thirteen privateers. Their descendant's are still
found in Newport.
1745. This year two large ships were built, and fitted out
from Newport, as privateers, and were intended to cruise in
company on the Spanish Main. They mounted 22 guns each,
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EVENTS IN THE WAR WITH FRANCE. 95
and were commanded, one by Oapt. Brewer, and the other by
Oapt. Cranston. They sailed on the 24th of December, at the
commencement of a north-east snow storm, which increased
with great violence during the next day. These ships were
never heard from after sailing, and the only conjecture that
could be formed was, that they must have come in collision
with each other during the thick snow storm, and both had
gone down with all on board. These ships were fitted out, and
principally owned, by CoL Godfrey Malborn, and the loss was
considered as one of the greatest calamities that ever befel the
town ; beside the loss of property, upwards of four hundred
lives were sacrificed, and nearly two hundred women became
widows by this disaster.
EVENTS IN THE WAR WITH FRANCE.
The legislature of Massachusetts decided, after much dis-
cussion, to invite the other Colonies to unite with them, in an
expedition against Louisburgh, the Gibraltar of the French
American Provinces. Into the spirit of this enterprise, the
legislature of Bhode Island entered with patriotic ardor ; and,
at the May session of that body, passed a resolution to raise a
regiment of one hundred and fifty men, exclusive of officers ;
and that the Colony sloop, Tartar, be fitted out, with a compli-
ment of ninety meUj exclusive of officers.
The expedition was crowned with success ; and after a siege
of forty-nine days, the city of Louisburgh, and the island of
Cape Breton, was surrendered by the French, on June 17th,
1745, to his Britannic Majesty.
The capture of Louisburgh, by the Colonies, stung the Court
of France with mortification and revenge, and they resolved to
chastise them for their insolence- Accordingly, an expedition
was fitted out for this purpose, consisting of forty ships of war,
and fifty-six transports, with three thousand five hundred men,
and forty thousand stand of arms, for the ¥ren6h. and Indians.
The Colonies saw and acknowledged their danger, from their
total inabiUty to defend themselves, in case of an invasion by so
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96 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
numerous and formidable a fleet ; and the inhabitants of the sea-
port towns were thrown into the greatest consternation.
No people had more to fear from foreign invasion, in New
England, than the people of Newport ; from the extent of her
commercial interests, her local situation, and the facility with
which the town might be approached with the largest ships of
war, the inhabitants were thrown into the greatest agitation and
distress. Nor were these apprehensions allayed, until in Octo-
ber, it was ascertained that God had interposed for the Colonies,
and gotten the victory with his own arm.
So disastrous was this expedition to the French, that among
all this mighty and formidable fleet, destined to lay in ruins the
smihng villages of New England, not more than two or three
ships, and a few transports, ever reached her coast. A violent
storm at sea either destroyed or damaged many of them. Others
were compelled to return, on account of a most fearful pesti-
lence which swept off hundreds of their crews, and made the
bravest hearts tremble.
The Admiral, or Commander-in-chief of the whole French
squadron, on reaching the coast of New England, died of morti-
fication ; or as some say, of poison. The Yice-Admiral came
to a similar tragical end, by running himself through the body
with his own sword. That part of the fleet which arrived on
the coast, sailed with the intent of making an attack upon An-
napolis, but a storm scattered them again, and they were forced
to return without effecting any part of the work of destruction
originally intended.
Thus were the Colonies preserved, not by the policy of their
councils, nor the prowess of their arms — ^but by the providence of
God. Preliminaries of peace were soon entered into, between
France and England, and a definitive treaty was signed in Octo-
ber, 1748. The privateers of Ehode Island distinguished them-
selves in this war, and during the year 1745, more than twenty
prizes, some of them of immense value, were sent into Newport.
In May, 1758, Great Britain, under George II., formally de-
clared war with France ; which declaration was reciprocated
by France the following month. The causes which led to this
war, commonly distinguished by the name of the " French and
Indian war," were the alleged encroachments of the French on
the English settlements in America.
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SAMUEL CRANSTON, ESQ. 97
This war terminated in 1763, by the cession of Nova Scotia,
Canada, the Isle of Cape Breton, and all other islands of the
gulph and river of St. Lawrence, to the British Crown. In all
these splendid achievements of the British arms, during these
long, protracted, and sanguinary conflicts, no town, perhaps, of
equal size in New England, contributed more to the glory of the
British Crown, than Newport.
In 1723, the town of Newport voted to build an Alms House
for the poor of the town.
SAMUEL CRANSTON, ESQ.
As the Cranston family figured largely in Newport, previous
to the Revolution, some account of them will, no doubt, prove
highly interesting and amusing to the reader, more especially
the event we now are about to notice.
Samuel Cranston, Esq., a gentleman of noble descent, and
who had highly distinguished himself as' a merchant in Newport,
on the breaking out of the Erench war of 1755, finding business
completely paralyzed, and being of an active temperament of
mind, was induced to start on a voyage for Jamaica, not, how-
ever, anticipating the scenes and events which he was destined
to endure in the prosecution of the voyage.
When off the Keys of Elorida, they were attacked by a pira-
tical vessel ; they defended themselves to the utmost, satisfied as
they were, that should they fall into their hands, no mercy
would be shown them ; but all their efforts were in vain, and
they were compelled to surrender to the enemy. Such was the
savage cruelty of these buccaneers, that neither prayers nor ex-
postulations had the least effect on their hard and obdurate
hearts : the passengers and crew were all inhumanly butchered
on the spot, with the exception of Mr. Cranston, who was
spared, in order to labor on board the vessel as a common
menial.
To a mind like his, it must have been deeply humiliating to
be suddenly thrown from an elevated position in society, and
compelled to herd with brutes in human form. In this condition
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98 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
he was doomed to labor for seven years. The thoughts of
home would rush ou the mind, producing pain and disquietude,
and anxiously looking forward to the moment of deUverance,
when he should once more participate in the enjoyment of the
domestic circle. He had watched every moment, from the time
of his captivity, for an opportunity to effect his escape ; the pro-
pitious hour seemed now to have arrived, and he availed him-
self of it. Having secured a boat and secreted some provisions,
he committed himself to the winds and waves, trusting in Divine
Providence for protection. After having been tossed about for
many days, he was so fortunate as to fall in with an English
ship, bound from Jamaica to Hahfax, who kindly took him on
board and treated him with marked attention. On his arrival
at Hahfax, a passage was given him to Boston, and on his arri-
val there, he was startled at the rumor that his wife was on the
eve of being married to a Mr. Eussell, of Boston. This was
an additional stroke, and rendered his mind a prey to the
most gloomy thoughts. Poor and penniless, he started from
Boston on foot, for Newport, there to await the issue. On his
arrival, he entered the back door of his former residence, in the
character of a mendicant, and craved food from the servants,
which was readily granted. After appeasing the cravings of
hunger, he inquired if Mrs. Cranston was the mistress of the
house ; on being answered in the affirmative, he stated that he
had a message which he wished to communicate to her. On
being informed that it would be entirely out of her power to
comply with his wishes, as she was then making preparations for
her nuptial celebration, which was to take place that evening,
the heart of Cranston was seized with the most painful emotion,
that his lovely and adored wife was about to espouse another.
He requested the servant to say to her mistress, 'that he had
seen her husband that day at 12 o'clock, crossing Howland's
Perry,
Such intelhgence, so unaccountable, yet , highly interesting,
brought Mrs. Cranston from her toilette^ to look on the bearer
of such intelhgence. He briefly rehearsed over the sufferings
which her husband had endured, which she hstened to with the
deepest interest. He wished to know of Mrs. Cranston whether
she had ever seen him before. Dressed in sailor's garb, with a tar-
pauhn hat partially drawn over his eyes, she rephed in the nega-
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SAMUEL CUANSTON, ESQ, 99
twQ^ finding himself a stranger and unknown, in his own
mansion, he at last raised his hat and gave her a significant look,
^t the same moment pointing to a scar on his forehead, and ex-
<claiming : " Did • you, Mrs, Cranston, ev^r see that mark
before ?" She at once flung herself on his bosom, and ex-
claimed, in transports of joy, " You are my own, own dear, long
lost husband 1"
It required, as you may well imagine, some little time for the
paroxysm to subside, and for Mr. Cranston to dress himself in
a manner becoming his rank and station, before entering the
drawing room., where the elegant group had assembled to wit-
ness the ceremony.
Mr. Eussell, and the oflaciating <dergyman, were already pre-
sent, and nothing was wanting but the appearance of the bridco
Soon, ho¥/ever, she entered, gracefully leaning on the arm of
Mr. Cranston, whom she introduced as her long absent husband.
The scene was worthy of the chisel of the artist, and produced
amotions of delight in the minds of the guests,
Mr, Eussell with true magnanimity, insisted that the marriage
-ceremony should be repeated, he giving the bride to her former
husband, and endowing her with the amount which he intended
to settle on her as his wife. This is a matter of fact, though
assuming the .appearance of romance.
Mr. Cranston was the son of the Hon. Samuel Cranston,
(rovernor of the Colony, The Hon. Thomas Cranston, the
grandson of Governor Samuel Cranston, and Abraham Eed-
wood, married sisters,
'' Three full-length portraits, of Mr, Cranston, wife, and
daughter, are hanging up in my house at Kingston. They
were painted by Copley, before the Eevolution, which, wnth the
carved frames, gilded, <cost one thousand dollars at that period.''
—-History of the Narragansett Chu7'ch.
Newport was once rich in paintings, but time and change
have scattered and dispersed them.
The residence of Grovernor Cranston v\^as in the rear of the
Hunter estate, in Thames-street, and was called his *' Castle."
Being built of stone, and cemented with shell lime, gave to it
an antique appearance. He died, A. D. 1727.
The following inscription appears on his tomb-stone :
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100 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLANP.
" Here Ikth the body of
SAMUEL CEAESTON, Esq.
LATE GOVERNOR OF ^HIS COLONY,
Aged 68 Yearn ;. and
Departed tli^s life, April ye 26, A.D. 1727.
M& was son of JOHN CRAN8T0N, Esq., who also was?
GoTernor here^ 1680 ;
Ho was descended from' the noble Seottisb
LORD CRANSTON,
And carried in his viens a streans of the
Ancient Earls of
€RAWFOBD, BOTHWELL, & TRAQUAIR'Sv
Having had for bis GrandfatheTy
JAMES CRANSTON, Ci.erk,
Chaplain tc King Charles the First..
His Great- G^randfather wss
JOHN CRANSTON, of Pooi,b, Esq;.,
This last was Son of
JOHN CRANSTOX, Esa.,
Whi©h James was Sori to
WILLIAM, LORD CRANSTON.
Best happy now, brave patriot, without end,-
Thy country^'s father, and thy eomntry^s friend."
On tlie head of the tombstone is emMazoned a rich coat-ol'
arms, with the motto—
"DITM CUKO YIOILO.'^
The late Eer. "Walter Cranston, of the Episcopal Church, ss
native of Newport, was one of his^ descendants. The name of
Cranston^ is still found in Newport, and the Hon. Eobert B.y
and H. Y. Cransto% have both been Eepresentatives in th©
Congress of th© United StateSj« from Ehode Islando.
THE MARINE' BOCIETY.
The Marine Society was instituted in the year 1756, by the
Bame of the Eellowship Club. It was changed to the name of
the Marine Society, by an Act of the Legislature, in 1785. The
funds of the Institution have accumulated to about $20,Q00v th©
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MASONIC FRATERNITY. 10 1
Interest of which is appropriated to the relief of widows of de-
ceased mariners, and orphan children, and to indigent members
of the Society, agreeable to
ARTICLE XII.
" 1st. This Society having been instituted for the relief of un-
fortunate mariners, their widows and orphan children, its funds
are never, in any instance, to be diverted from that object."
Tinder its present arrangement, far more liberality is dis-
played towards the unfortunate, than formerly. This happy
feature has arisen from the admission of new members, with
enlarged and liberal views, and disposed to do ample justice
towards applicants, without respect to self It is a noble insti-
tution, reflecting honor on the town, and should be fostered and
encouraged by every mariner of Newport.
Its first Secretary w^as Mr. Benjamin Sayar, and its first Pre-
sident, Mr. Oliver Eing Warner,
MASONIC FRATERNITY.
^^ In the spring of 1658, Mordecai Campaisnall, Moses Paekoc-
koe, Levi, and others., in all fifteen families^ arrived at Newport
from Holland. They brought with them the three first degrees
of masonry, and worked them in the house of Gampannally and
continued to do so, they and tkeir successors, to the year 1742.'*
-—Taken from Documents now in possession of N. BL Goulcl^
Esq.
We have noticed this institution from the fact of its having
been said to be ^'fee oldest body in the United States.^' It
is in a flourishing condition, numbering about one hundred and
fifty members.
'^ In the year 1768, a lottery w^as granted by the Assembly, to
pave Thames-street; it was called ^ the Newport Pavement
liOii^vjJ ''''■—From the Newport Mercury.
1774. The entries at the Custom House in Mewport, for the
months of June and July, were : vessels from foreign voyages,
64; coasters, 134; whalemen, 17; making an aggregate of 215
in the space of two months.
The Ehode Isl^j^d GREEMiNG.—It is stated that the fir^t tree
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102 HISTORY OF IIHOB'E ISLAND.
of the kind, came up spontaneously, near the wa!l^ by the brook
which runs through the farm of Joseph I. Baily. Esq., in Mid-
dletown, the owner at that time being a Mr. Greene ; from him.
the apple took its nam^e. It is highly celebrated and much
sought after.
The Gardner Pear was introduced by Mr. Lucas, a French
Huguenot, who, on his arrival at Newport, hired an estate of Mr.
R. Gardner, for his residence. About the time the tree began
to bear, Mr. Gardner occupied his own estate, and the pear re»
maining, it obtained the name of the '' Gardner Pear." They
have nearly run out.
The TalTman Sweeting Apple, is a native of the Islandj,
d:eriving its name from the family of Tallmans.
onmm of the be^atur family.
Stephen Decatur, who was a Captain in the United States
JSTavy, and fatber of the late distinguished Commodore Stephen
Decatur, was born in Newport,. April, 1752. His grandfather
was a native of Genoa, who came to Rhode Island about
1746'. He married, in Newport, in 1751, the widow Prisci^lla
Hill. Her maiden name was George. The family had their
residence in Broad- street,, where the house is still standing. As-
the mother's character so sensibly affects that of her children, it
may not be amiss here to say,, that Mrs. Hill possessed a force
of mind and energy of character which was a characteristic
feature of the George family. Stephen Decatur, the elder, was
born in the house v/hich then ^tood where the spfendid mansion
of Levi H. Gale, Esq., now stands, directly fronting the Mall.
Previous to the Revolution, they removed from Newport. In
the war of the Revolution, Capt. Decatur greatly distinguished
himself as the commander of a private ship from Philadelphia^
called the ^' Pair American," by the capture of several
British armed vessels. After the peace, he commanded a mer-
chant vessel. At the establishment of the navy, in 1797, he
was appointed to the command of the Delaware Sloop of War.
He continued in her until the frigate Philadelphia was built^
when the command was given him, at the request of the m.eF-
chants who had built her by subscription.
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SLAVER OF G. AND F. MALBORN. 103
He remained in command of the Philadelphia, until the settle-
ment with France, when he resigned his commission and retired
to his farm, a few miles from Philadelphia, where he resided
until his death, which took place in March, 1808, in the 57th
year of his age.
He had three sons and several daughters. His sons were, the
late gallant Commodore Stephen Decatur, Lieut. James Decatur^
who was killed in the Tripolitan war, and Col. John P. Decatur.
Commodore Stephen Decatur was unfortunately killed in a
duel with the late Commodore Barron. No eulogy from our
pen is needed, to establish the high reputation which Stephen
Decatur acquired in his naval career ; we feel a pride of charac-
ter, however, in being able to connect him with the illustrious
personages whose origin has been in Newport.
1761. This year a company of commedians arrived in New-
port from "Williamsburgh, Virginia. They erected a temporary
theatre at the upper part of the Point near Dyre's Grove, and
the performances were well attended. This is said to have been
the first company that ever performed in America. John
Whipple, on his return from the theatre, was drowned by fall-
ing from the Point Bridge.
SLAVER OF G. AND F. MALBORN.
Godfrey and John Malborn, had a slaver bound to Ehode
Island, loaded with slaves : a pirate looking vessel hove in
sight, and the captain offered to knock off the irons of the
slaves, if they would coi]sent to defend the vessel from the
pirates. On their consenting, they were taken up and armed,
and succeeding in driving off the enemy, they were rewarded,
and afterwards taken to Pomfret, in Connecticut, on the large
estate of Godfrey Malborn. Many of their descendants are still
living in that neighborhood. An old hanger is now in the pos-
session of Thomas Brinley, Esq., one hundred years old, which
was used on that occasion.
John Brown, who was an eminent merchant of Newport, died
October, 1753. He married a daughter of the Eev. James
Honyman. He was extensively engaged in privateering, in com-
pany with Godfrey Malborn and George "Wanton.
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104 HISTORY OP ra-lODE ISLAND.
The enterprise which characterized the inhabitants of New-
port, at that period, prove them to have been a superior class
of men. There was a stimulus to action — for success crowned
their efforts — and they were induced to push on, and to make
Newport what she once was — the pride and admiration of the
Colonies.
"We have not alluded to the Slave Trade, from whence she
reaped a golden harvest. The large exportation of New Eng-
land rum to Africa, which in return brought slaves, increased the
wealth of the place to an astonishing degree. There were but few
of her merchants that were not directly, or indirectly interested
in the traffic. Some forty or fifty sail of vessels were in this em-
ployment, and it was thought a necessary appendage to have
on6 or more slaves, to act as domestics in their famiUes.
Many an amusing anecdote is related of the slaves, which
show them to have been rather more apt than what is usually
the case. In imitation of the whites, the negroes held an annual
election on the third Saturday in June, when they elected their
Governor. This annual festivity was looked for with great
anxiety. Party spirit was as violent and acrimonious with them
as with the whites. The slaves assumed the power and pride,
and took the relative rank of their masters ; and it was
degrading to the reputation of the owner, if his slaves appeared
in inferior apparel, or with less money, than the slave of another
master of equal wealth. At dinner, the Governor was seated
at the head of the long table, under trees, or an arbor, with the
unsuccessful candidate at his right, and his lady on the left.
The afternoon was spent in dancing, games of quoits, athletic
exercises, &c. They have for many years ceased the obser-
vance of this election.
The owners of slaves in Newport, as a general thing, were
indulgent masters, so much so that the blacks were not con-
scious of being in bondage, but w^ere treated with^ every mark
of kindness befitting their station.. Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse,
late Professor in Harvard University, &c., in speaking on this
subject, says :
In Newport there was a worthy, opulent man, and very re-
spectable member of the Society of Friends, named Joseph
Jacobs, advanced in fife, who had four or five neat and well-
behaved negro domestics, bound together by duty, respect, and
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THE SLAVE TRADE. 105
gratitude ; a pleasant picture of patriarchal government, with-
out fear and without reproach. But being all blacks, it left the
master and his wife alone in the parlor and garden ; when he
invited Mary Oallender, daughter of Kev. Mr. Oallender, to be-
come their parlor companion ; and she did so, to mutual satis-
faction, waited on by black female slaves, who w^ore the plain
garb of Quakers. The family was singular, and everything
very decorous ; relatively respectable, and marked by humble
wisdom. To see the negro women, with their black hoods and
blue aprons, walking at a respectful distance behind their mas-
ter, to meeting, was not an unpleasant sight on those days.
Friend Jacobs himself was somewhat unique in. his habits and
manners. Easy in his circumstances, and intellectual in taste,
he filled up his leisure hours in watching the wind, his clock, and
his weather-glasses. At that day, he was the only person on
Ehode Island who owned a thermometer."
Newport was not alone in the slave trade ; other places con-
tributed their full share, and reaped the profits. It was at that
period thought to be just and equitable, and none entertained
conscientious scruples against it. It is unbecoming in the
North, who have been the means of entailing slavery on the
South, to turn round and denounce them as a class of unprin-
cipled men, and deny to them the right which properly belongs
to them, to manage their own domestic institutions as they
please.
The course which has been pursued, so far from hastening
the extinction of slavery, has retarded the event to an indefinite
period. If we could be satisfied that immediate emancipation
would better the condition of the slave, we would heartily
acquiesce in the measure. But what has been the result in
the British "West Indies ? Has the physical and moral condi-
tion of the slaves been improved, by granting to them their free-
dom ? "We believe it to be susceptible of proof, that it has not
■been the case ; for the value of estates has declined, and both
planter and negro, have become infinitely worse off by the pre-
mature and hasty measure. The results which have since fol-
lowed, were not at the time anticipated. Great Britain has no
great occasion to glory in the. measure, but rather to lament it.
In corroboration, heed and hearken to the voice that comes up to us
from the ponderous columns of the London Times ; that journal
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106 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
which of all others, perhaps, speaks most accurately the feelings
and opinions of the British people on this, as on niost other sub-
jects of public concern : —
^' Our legislation has been dictated by the presumed neces-
sities of the African slave. After the Emancipation Act, a
large charge was assessed upon the Colony, in aid of civil and
rehgious institutions for the benefit of the enfranchised negro, and
it was hoped that these colored subjects of the British Crown,
would soon be assimilated to their fellow-citizens. From all the
information which reaches us, no less than from the visible pro-
babilities of the case, we are constrained to beheve ihai these
hopes have been falsified. The negro has not acquired with his
freedom, any habits of industry or morality. His independence
is little better than that of an uneaptured brute. Having
accepted few of the restraints of civilization, he is amenable to
few of its necessities ; and the wants of his nature are so easily
satisfied, that at the current rate of wages he is called upon for
nothing but fitful or desultory exertion. The blacks^ therefore^
instead ofbecomirig intelligent husbandmen^ havebecome vagrants
and squatters^ and it is noio apprehended that luith the faikire of
cultivation in the island^ will come the failure of its resources
for instructing or controlling its population. So imminent does
this consummation appear, that memorials have been signed by
classes of colonial society hitherto standing aloof from politics,
and not only the bench and the bar, but the bishop, clergy, and
ministers of all denominations in the island, without exception,
have recorded their conviction, that, in the absence of timely
relief, the rehgious and educational institutions of the island
must be abandoned^ and the masses of the population retrograde
to bojfbarism P''
The New- York Express adds some very sensible remarks,
which we here subjoin :
'' Would that those in our own country, who profess to be the
only real friends of the African, would study these painful truths,
and lay them to heart. Would that they abandon their wild chi-
meras of immediate, compulsory .emancipation, to benefit the Afri-
can, and betake themselves to the more humane, enlightened, and
practical cause of Colonization, now seemingly the only door
left open for the regeneration of the race. The bitter experience
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THE SLAVE TRADE. 10?*
of Great Britain should teach us wisdom. The mistaken phi-
lanthropy which gave to the West India negroes the boon of
freedom, which they neither knew nor cared how to value, has
been fruitful of evils which, for the true welfare of the slave
population in our own country, it were prudence and wisdom to
guard against. English emancipation has done for the slave
population of the West Indies, just what Abolitionism at home
seeks to do foF the same class of population in our Southern
States, (only in a more aggravated form,) the bestowing upon
them of an independence but' ' httle better than that of an
uncaptured hrute^ and a condition which, so far from enabling
them to become intelhgenty comfortable, and happy^ will as in-
evitably reduce them to ' mere squatters and vagrants\, among
the rest of mankind."
Could the Abolitionists succeed in carrying out their plans,
in giving freedom to the slaves, what, we inquire, would be the
moral and physical condition of the North ? Already, the popu-
lation has become so dense in our cities and larger towns, and
such the competition in labor, with the low prices paid, that the
poor man can hardly sustain himself and family. This incendiary
measure would flood the North with • emancipated negroes, and
the collision would be painful to contemplate.
But the Abohtionists say, in reply : " Let the masters employ
them and compensate them for their labor, and this would
obviate the difficulty." This is mere theory. They having
heard so much of the sympathy expressed for them by their
Anti-Slavery friends of the North — who, bye-the-bye, would not
contribute one dollar to ameHorate their condition — would, how-
ever, be induced to come among them and enjoy their hospital-
ity^ and that liberty of which they have heard so much ; but
which, alas ! would only be imaginary in its nature, for their
condition, instead of being improved, .would be infinitely worse
by the change.
There are certain laws in the physical and moral world, which
we can never change, and it is not for us to arraign Omnipo-
tence, and attempt to impeach his divine character. His wis-
dom, is infinite, and out of these discordant materials good will
ultimately arise. Our Saviour illustrates the kingdom of
heaven, by " a woman's putting a piece of leaven into a measure
of meal, until the whole was leavened." This implied the process
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108 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND,
of fermentation, and it required time. To have attempted to
change the order of nature would only have effectually de-
stroyed the article and rendered it useless. So in the moral
elements, they are at work, and operating to the final consum-
mation and overthrow of all evil in the world. But \ye cannot
successfully hasten the time, by our own plans and purposes,
but must leave it to Infinite Wisdom, at the same time employ-
ing the means which his Word and teaching furnish.
While the North held slaves, she took her own time to
free them, and this was not done until she had become con-
vinced that they were no longer profitable. It was a mere
matter of dollars and cents^ and not a conviction of its moral
wrong, which urged them to the measure. No one attempted
to coerce the North, which they were then satisfied they had no
moral or pohtical right to do. Let the North, then, leave the
South to manage her domestic institutions in a manner most
agreeable to her wishes, and hence put an end to agitation^
which has already caused the temple of liberty to tremble to
its very base. The union of these States should be dear to
every American, and the individual who would put forth a sui-
cidal hand to destroy the work of ages, should be denounced as
a traitor of the ^^ first water ^'^^ far beyond Benedict Arnold in
infamy and crime. Colonization is the only feasible plan devised,
to ultimately free the country from slavery. And we believe it
to be God^s plan, for in no other possible w^ay, can we conceive
of the civihzation and Christianizing of the dark Continent of
Africa.
It should be borne in mind by the reader, that Slavery was
entailed upon us while we were Colonies to G-reat Britain; and
her interference with our institutions — now that we are free and
independent — is an assumption of power which should not for a
moment be countenanced by these United States, Her emissa-
ries sent forth to stir up strife and sedition between the mem-
bers of this Confederacy, should be told to go back instanter,
and reform the abuses which exist in their own country, and
which are most revolting in their nature — ^infinitely surpassing
Southern slavery, which theiv im^gmsitioii hm conjured up m
the greatest evil existing in the world.
Nations are very much like individuals; their own wrongs are
not seen, while the wrongs and errors of others are magnified
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THE SLAVE TRADE. 109
to the utmost stretch of a morbid mind. Let Great Britain
survey the deep and damning misery which is to be found
among the underground subjects of the realm, laboring and
toiling in those hells, the coal-mines^ shut out from the light of
heaven, and crouching under their burden, until their hmbs be-
coming contracted, premature old age follows, and death is their
only hope of rehef from the wretchedness of their conditioB.
This is the nation which it was once said was "the bulwark of
the Christian rehgion!" When Great Britain will make some effec-
tual effort to free her lohiie slaves, we of this nation may feel
more inclined to receive council and instruction from her, in re-
lation to real or imaginary wrongs, which are to be found in
this country. With her present jjolicy, we have reason to
believe that her aim and object is, to divide, if possible, these
United States, regardless, entirely^ of the state and condition
of the slaves, which, if they had the control, would 5^^i// be
found in the cotton-fields, laboring to keep in successful opera-
tion their extensive manufacturing establishments.
The writer to whom we are to refer as evidence of the truth
of the above remarks, is the Eev. WiUiam Sewell, B.D., Author
of ^' Christian Politics," and late Professor of Moral Philosophy
in the University of Oxford : —
" We sigh over the imprisonment of the canary-bird, ex-
claim against the cruelty of its oppressor, unbar the doors of
its cage without a moment's delay, and the poor bird claps it^
wings with joy, flutters into open air, regains its liberty, its
blessed liberty, — and the next day is found dead of cold and
hunger. It is not for a Christian to argue in favor of slavery ;
still less to speak of it, except with abhorrence^ when the master
abuses his power, and the slave, instead of being raised by him
by degrees, to the capabiUty and enjoyment of his freedom, is
riveted in his chains forever. But a Christian may indeed ask,
whether the total exclusion of all restraint, of all fear, of all
positive external obligation from the relation of master and
servant, has not ended in 'i'educing the servant in this country
to a condition far worse, far more abject and degraded, far
more hopeless, far more vitiated, than that of any slave in any
period or country of the world ? Our mines, our factories, our
common workshops, — even our farms and agricultural cottages,
full of cripplied children and deformed women, of famine and
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no HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND,
fever, of drunkenness and vice, — of depraved, miserable, hope-
less beings, doomed by their own free act, the free act of a
being in the agony of starvation, — to the severest toil in dark-
ness, at midnight ; deprived of rest, stinted in food, seUing their
children to the same misery with their own for a few shillings,
or sickening over hours of toil to earn their pence, — all the
horrible scenes revealed by late inquiries into the state of our
lower classes, — what is there in the records of slavery to be
found more heart breaking or more appalhng, to those who
beheve that nations, like individuals, are visited by curses from
the Almighty,— and that the first curse denounced in His
commandments is uttered against those who depart, even in
the slightest degree, from His positive, external, revealed truth,
and shape out ideas of the divine nature after their own fancy."
—pp. 313-328,
In the year 1768, March 21st, it being the anniversary of the
repeal of the Stamp Act, the day was celebrated with public
exhibitions of joy, A flag was displayed on the top of the
noble wide spreading tree of hberty, and a copper-plate afl5xed
to its venerable trunk, in the room of that which was infamously
taken from it on the 25th of August preceding. A flag was
hoisted at Port George, at Liberty Mast, on the Point ; and
the shipping in the harbor displayed their colors. ' The bells
rung a merry peal, and every thing wore a joyous aspect. In
the evening, rockets were discharged from the tree of liberty,
at Liberty Mast ; and at the house of John Madsly, Esq., a
number of gentlemen were politely entertained, and the glass
circulated in honor to the British and American patriots.
Many other gentlemen assembled, in diflerent parts of the
town, to commemorate the glorious event, and the whole day
was spent in decent festivity.
John Madsly owned and occupied the house, now in the
possession of Dr. Watson, at the head of King-street. He is
said to have been a polished gentleman, and distinguished for
his benevolence, ever ready to confer^favors on those who stood
in need. The Prench fleet, in firing on the British batteries,
threw several shot unintentionally into the town ; Mr. Madsly
had apprehended such an event, and had fitted up his oil-house
cellar, adjoining his mansion, and invited the neighbors to take
shelter there, A bullet entered the building, and lodged, with-
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THE SLAVE TEADE. HI
out causing damage to any person in the cellar. It remained
where it lodged, until the building was repaired and fitted up
as a dancing hall for Carpentiere.
We find, as a matter of record, that " many persons were
determined to use their influence in putting a stop to the
destructive and pernicious effects attending the immense con-
sumption of foreign teas, which must, otherwise, soon render
us a poor, weak, debihtated people. The Hyperion, or Labra-
dor tea, is much esteemed, and by great numbers vastly pre-
ferred to the poisonous Bohea."
Newport, in 1767, passed resolutions to discourage, as much
as possible, further importations of European manufactures.
" We have heard of many gentlemen in town, of figure and
fortune, who are determined to clothe themselves and families
for the future, with the manufactures of this country. These
resolutions were responded to by other sections of the country."
The* New York Journal, May 30, 1768, says, " What a glo-
rious example Newport has set us. Eouse, my countrymen !
We are well informed that one married lady and her daughter,
of about sixteen, have spun full sixty yards of good fine hnen
cloth, nearly a yard wide, since the first of March, beside taking
care of a large family. The linen manufacture is promoted and
carried on, with so much spirit and assiduity, among all ranks,
that we are assured there is scarcely flax enough to be had in
town, to supply the continued consumption of that article."
King Lemuel says, Prov. 31 : 28, '' Her children arise up,
and call her blessed." v. 19, '' She layeth her hand to the
spindle, and her hands hold the distafl*," &c.
Spinning and weaving was for ages an art of distinguished
life, and was considered in the same light as nee die -work now
is with us. Accordingly, it was customary to represent those
most distinguished, as excelling in the art of spinning, and
poets sang of the distaff and loom. Homer alluded to it in the
address of Alcondra to Helen ; so also Theocritus, in present-
ing a distaff to his friend's wife, says,
" distaff; friend to warp and woof,
Minerva's friend in man's behoof."
It is said that Augustus, at the height of his regal splendor,
appeared among his nobles in a robe, made for him by the queen.
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1 12 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
Dr. Buslinell has wisely remarked, in his centennial address,
that ''the age has been called a homespun age f" and we
would add, one of simplicity, and of comparative happiness,
when those artificial distinctions, the result of mere wealth, was
then in a great degree unknown." The homespun age pro-
duced economy in every member of the family, and they were
contented with small things.
The expense of hving, prior to the revolution, was far less
than now, and what would then have been considered a suffi-
cient sum to have rendered a man independent, would be looked
upon at the present time as quite insignificant. Simon Pease,
of Newport, one of the " upper ten thousand" at that day,
who lived in a state of elegance befitting his station, was ac-
costed by a "Wilham Hookey, a silversmith, who had witnessed
the expensive hving of Mr. Pease : " It must cost you a great
deal to support your family." Mr. Pease rephed, " thai; it cost
him the enormous sum of $500 per annum " A person then
worth ten thousand dollars, was considered a rich man, and
even at this day of extravagance in th^ price of living, perhaps
there is no maritime town, where the income arising from ten
thousand dollars, would go as far in supporting a family, as it
would in Newport.
EXTRACT FROM A SERMON
Preached in Trinity Church, Newport, Khode Island, on
Monday, June 3rd, 1771, at the Puneral of Mrs. Abigail
"Wanton, late Consort of the Hon. Joseph Wanton, Jup., Esq.,
who departed this life on Priday, May 31st, 1771, in the 36th
year of her age.
By George Bisset, M.A.
" St, Luke xii. 40. — 'Be ye therefore ready also.'
" It is to be remembered to her honor, that in the day of
prosperity, and in an age noted for its thoughtlessness and
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MRS. WANTON^S FUNERAL SERMON. 113
dissipation, her heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord, to
keep his commandments. It was a practical maxim with her,
that as God is our chief benefactor, and can alone be our ex-
ceeding joy, so he is justly entitled to our highest veneration
and regard ; and that, consequently, it is surely good for us on
every occasion, to draw near to him, both in his word and in
his sacraments. Constant and regular was her attendance
here, where her behaviour was remarkably composed and
serious, equally distant from the indecent levity of those who
come hither solely to comply with custom, not having God in
all their thoughts, and from that constraining stiffness of the
gloomy and superstitious, who imagine the object of their
worship to be altogether such a one as themselves.
" She carefully and steadily observed the precept of the wise
man, ' Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God ;'
and the whole of her deportment here always discovered that
happy mixture of rehgious awe and filial confidence, which
necessarily arises from just and worthy conceptions of the
greatest and best of Beings, who is greatly to be feared in the
meeting of his saints, and to be had in reverence of all that are
about him.
" But her sense of religion was not confined to the Church,
nor to the closet, but as she set God always before her, so that
great Being, who honoreth those who honor him, kindly con-
ducted her, with dignity and applause, through the several
connections and relations of life. She was a grateful and
dutiful daughter, a prudent and affectionate wife, a tender and
indulgent parent, a mild and gentle mistress, a sincere and con-
stant friend. She was a safe and easy companion, and pos-
sessed, in an eminent degree, the happy art of pleading and
entertaining in conversation, without ever having recourse to
the fashionable topics of slander and defamation. Her most
intimate friends knew not, indeed, whether to admire more her
sweet and engaging compliance towards those who were
present, or her tender regard for the character of the absent.
Being highly sensible of the value of a good name, she always
looked upon it as base and ungenerous meanness to hurt any
one in that respect, either through malice, or a vain and un-
meaning spirit of censoriousness ; and if wit and good nature
be incoro-patible, it must be honestly acknowledged, that she
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114 HISTORY OF KHODE ISLAND.
had no pretensions to the former, as she was never able in the
least . to rehsh the horrid pleasure of exposing the mangled
reputation of a neighbor for the amusement of tlie company ;
on the contrary, it was her constant study and endeavor, to
promote the interest of good will and friendship, by giving to
merit its due praises, by endeavoring to remove all causes of
dissentions, by hiding the faults of those with whom she con-
versed, and by putting the best construction upon their words
and actions, which they could possibly admit of ; and thus her
excellent accomplishments, constantly employed in the cause of
virtue, were really a blessing to herself and to society ; being
agreeably recommended and set off by the still more valuable
ornament of a meek, a candid, and a quiet spirit. Those who
moved in the higher spheres admired, and were charmed with
that elegant simplicity, and unaffected gracefulness of manners,
with that solidity of judgment, and benevolence of heart, and
with those thousand inexpressible decencies, which uniformly
appeared in all her words and actions ; and the poor, encouraged
by her condescensions, and refreshed and cherished by her
extensive charity, rose up and called her blessed, and with
heart-felt gratitude, almost adored the liberal hand which was
so ready to supply their wants ; of which that universal gloom
and dejection, which has now so remarkably overspread their
faces, give a much more ample and noble testimony, than any
encomiums from this place.
" As her life was thus, in all respects, useful and agreeable,
so it happily serves to confirm a truth, highly important to
the interest of morality, that whoever is pitiful and courteous,
and anxious to promote the happiness of others, will be uni-
versally beloved, and universally regretted. It was unnecessary,
and perhaps impertinent, to have said so much of this amiable
and universally admired character ; you all knew her worth,
and I trust will long respect her memory ; and those who were
most intimately connected with her, have no need to be put in
remembrance, that these things were, and were most dear to
them."
In the past, it was not the drapery alone which charmed the
beholder, but rather the moral and intellectual acquirements of
the mind ; these were the gems which rendered the casket, in
comparison, valueless. The expenditures for Schools and
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OENEALOGY OF THE MALBORN AND BRINLEY FAMILIES. 115
A;cademies were far less than at the present period, and the
progress in knowledge as in actual accomplishment, far in ad-
vance of this age. There was a sohdity of judgment, a fixed-
2iess of purpose, a devotion to principle, which distinguished
the minds of a former age, and which rendered society highly
attractive and agreeable.
That Hghtness and frivoHty of character, unbecoming the
gentleman and lady, and which is disgusting to an elevated and
refined mind^ >vas not to be met with in the higher and fashion-
able circles of society.
We have given the foregoing extract of a most valuable ser«
mon, in order to give the reader some idea of what then consti-
tuted greatness t)f character ; and would to God that the
present age would labor to copy after such an example as is
here held up to view.
If all the energies of the intellectj and all the treasures which
liave been expended in fostering malignant passions, and in
promoting contentions and warfare, had been devoted to the
great object of cultivating the principle of benevolence, and
•distributing happiness among men, the moral and physical
aspect of our world would, long ago, have assumed a, very dif-
ferent appearance from what it now wears.
GENEALOGY OF THE MALBORN AND BRINLEY FAMILIES.
The Malborn and Brinley families figured largely in the past
history of Newport. Col. Godfrey Malborn was a native of
Prince Anne county, Virginia, and his farm was near the city
and borough of Norfolk. He came to Rhode Island about
17&0. He was a man of sturdy frame and character. The
tradition is, that he disliked school discipline, absconded from
his friends, became a sailor boy, and that he was actually bound
out as an apprentice to a ship-master, by the authority of the
town of Bristol, then in the jurisdiction of Massachusetts,
During his apprenticeship, by the death of one of his ancestors,
he became entitled to a large property in Virginia. He settled
In Newport, where he .married Margaret Scott ] became, as
<the reader has already seen, a distinguished merchant, and waf^
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116 HISTOHY OF RHODE ISLAND,
eminently soccessful. In the war of 174G, wifh Eramee and
Spain, be fitted out several private armed vessek of war, whicb
made many captures. He died at Newport,. February 22d,
1768, and was buried in the vault under Trinity Church, of
which he was one of the founders. He left two sons, G-odfrey
and John ; Thomas, another son^ a graduate of Cambridge,
Massachusetts, having died at an early agey the victim y it has
been said, of an over-devotion to study.
Godfrey, the eldest son, was educated at Queen's College,
Oxford ; returned to Ehode Island in 1774, and carried on
business on a large scale^ in compaBy with his brother Johuo.
They were largely engaged in the Colonial Neutral trade, m
the war of 1756-7, ending by the peace of 1763, and at first
was uncommonly successful^ but in the end suffered severely,.
by the apphcation of the rule of 1756. Two large ships laden
with sugar, bound for Hamburgh, having been captured, were
ebndemned, after a long and expensive litigation in the Eisghsh
Courts of Admiralty. These, and other vexatious los&es, in-
duced Mr. Malborn to retire from business, to the calm retreat
of his large estate, in Pomfrety Connecticiiiit, Mr. Malborn
built an Episcopal Church in Brooldyn, known as the " Mal-
born Church."
'' This was the first church erected, and for a long period, the
only church of that denomination in this country. It was
erected before the Revolutionary war, by Godfrey Malborn^
Jun., Esq., a gentleman from Newport, Rhode Island. On hi&
removal to Connecticut, he brought with him fifty or sixty
slaves, on his large estate on which he resided. A great pro-
portion of the colored people in this part of the State are
their descendants." — Connecticut Historical Collections.
The Rev. Mr. Eog, the first Rector of the church, was a
gentleman of highly respectable attainments, and continued to^
ofiici ate until his death.
Mr. Malborn married Miss Brinley, of Roxbury, sister of
Francis Brinley, of Newport, and died without issue, 1785.
His remains lay interred in the church-yard of the Episcopal
Church in Brooklyn.
Grodfrey Malborn, senior, had five daughters ; one m-arried
the above Francis Brinley ; another, the youngest, to Dr,
William Hunter, father of the late Hon, William Hunter.
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<JENEALOGY OF THE MALBOHN AND BHINLEY FAMILIES. 117
One married Major Fairchild, one Dr. Mac-Kay, and another
Shiibel Hutchinson.
Thomas Brinley, in the reign of Charles the First, held the
office of Auditor- General. At the downfall of that sovereign,
he adhered to the fortunes of Charles the Second, and followed
Mm on his exile upon the Continent. Upon the restoration of
the second Charles, he held the same office under him, and died
one year after ; he was buried in the middle aisle of Datchet
church, near London ; the slab over his remairas, still records
these facts.
His son, Francis, (the first of Newport,) left England, and
arrived at Newport, Ehode Island, and there amassed a large
fortune ; he died in Newport. He had previously sent his
eldest son, Thomas, to England, for his education ; he married
in London, and had three children, and died there with the
small-pox. His son, William, died, aged 13. His eldest son,
Francis, (the second,) and daughter Elizabeth, with their
mother, came to America, and inherited the fortune of his
grandfather. -He built the house at Eoxbury, after the model
of the old family mansion at Datchet, in England.
Elizabeth, grand- daughter of Thomas Brinley, Auditor-
Greneral for King Charles First and Second, came over with
her brother Frank and their mother, from England, and settled
at Eoxbury ; she married a Mr.- Hutchinson, father of Shrimp-
ton Hutchinson, who married a Malborn» Mrs. Col. Putman,
George Brinley^'s wife's mother, was, in 1840, the only one of
the stock remaining, i(L est. \hQ Hutchinsons.
There was a branch of the Brinley's in New Jersey, as
early as 1776 ; I know this from the following records in my
office, (Surveyor-Cenerars :)—
"^ Lib, 2, fols. 33 & 80 : > Warrt. Survey and Patent^ from
8th March, 1677- ) Sir George Carteret, Knt., &a
Proprietor of E, Jersey, to Simon Brinley^ ^ for a parcel of
land about the towne of Piscataway.' "
Simon Brinley's will was recorded at Trenton, 5th January,
1724-5. in " Book A^ of Wills, page 348." I can trace him no
farther
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118 HISTORY OW RHODE ISLAND.
Erank "W. Brinleyj, Esq., of Perth Amboy, IST. J.,. General^
Surveyor, one of my old schoolfellows, has kkdly furnished;
some interesting notes of his family, which are here subjoined^,
as standing in most intimate relation with the past events of
Newport.
'' Thomas Brinley,. first son of Erancis and Deborah, of Eox-
bury, Massachusetts, was a King's Counsellor, and went to
England with the British troops. He m-arried a Miss Leyed,
received a compensation from the British government, and died
in England ; he left no issue.
" Edward Brinley, third son, remained in Boston at the Ee-
volution, and was much persecuted as a Loyalist ;. he kept a
grocery in Boston, and was very unfortunate. He was father
of Greorge Brinley, druggist, now of Hartford, Connecticut^
and of Erank and William,, who lived at Eoxbury.
" Nathaniel Brinley, fourth son, lived at Tingsbury^ a farmer
of large estate: had one son,. Eobert, still alive, and resident at
Tingsbury ; said to be one of the best of men.
" George Brinley, fifth son, (my father's idoL) He was
Commissary in the British army, during the Eevolution. In
1777, at the time of the action at Princeton, the British being
in New Brunswick and Perth Amboy, on his way from New-
Brunswick to Perth Amboy, with one servant, he was fired
upon by a party of Provincials, ^ minute-men,' w^ho had come
down from Woodbridge, on the main road between Brunswick
and Amboy, from what is now (1850,) known as the ' Old
Tappan House,' in the village of Bonhamtown. He received
five musket balls- in yarious parts of his body ; but retained his
Beat on horseback. His- servant, being somev^hat behind^
wheeled, and rode back to New Brunswick, reporting his
master as killed. Each ball made a flesh wound, and did not
touch a bone. George rode on, until he reached ^ Hangman's
Corner,' (the parting roads from Perth Amboy, to Bonhamtown
and Woodbridge,) where he fell from his horse, from loss of
blood, and was seen to fall by the sentinel at the ' King's bar-
racks.' A party was sent out, who brought him in, with his
horse, that remained by him. He laid many months at Am-
boy. My fatherj (Edward,) who came from Newport to attend
him, says, ' that when he saw his uncle, he had lain so^ long^.
that the shoulder-bones were through the skim' He finally
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GENEALOGY OF THE MALBORN AND BRINLEY FAMILIES. 119
recovered, and returned -with the British troops ; was appointed
Commissary at Hahfax, and afterwards Commissary- G-eneral of
the British troops in America.
'' He married a daughter of G-overnor Wentworth, of New
Hampshire, had two sons, Thomas and "Wilham, and a daugh-
ter, Mary. "William was a pay-master in the British army.
Mary married a ' Moody,' in England, and one of her daugh-
ters was in Boston two or three years ago.
" jFrank, my father's eldest brother, served his time with Dr.
Hunter, who married Miss Malborn, (my grand-mother's sister.)
Frank was Surgeon of the ^ ISTew-York Volunteers,' and went
to Carolina with them, — afterwards died at my father's house,
(Edward Brinley,) at Shelburne, in 1757-8.
'' Commissary George's son, Tom, was a Colonel in the
British army, and was with Sir John Moore, in Spain; was
detached to the West Indies, and there died an Adjutant-
General.
'' Francis Brinley, my grand-father, lived at Newport, Ehode
Island ; married Aleph Malborn, daughter of Godfrey Malborn.
My uncle, ' Frank,' died young ; was at College, at Cambridge,
Massachusetts, at the time the British troops marched to
Lexington. My father, Edward, was there on a visit to his
brother. On the retreat of the British, the Americans were in
pursuit, and, from the circumstance of some of the British
officers having been with Frank and my father, (Ned,) imagined
that Frank had ' pilotted the troops.' The Americans, or some
of them, were so exasperated, that my father and others were
obliged to lower Frank, by sheets tied together, from one of
the College windows ; while the Americans battered the door
of his room, and destroyed everything.
'' Frank and Ned afterwards came together, got an old horse
from a pasture, and went " ride and tie' to Newport, ' full of
wrath.' They met the British troops and joined them, and were
called ' Tories' ever afterwards. My father says, ' Had it not
been for this circumstance, we would have been the best of
Democrats.'
*' Deborah, my aunt, married an Episcopal clergyman, Bev.
Daniel Fogg, of Brooklyn, Connecticut. She died a few years
ago ; had Francis Brinley Fogg, who studied at Newport,
under the late Hon. William Hunter, and removed to Nashville,
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120 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
Tennessee, where he married, and is an eminent lawyer : Ed-
ward, who still lives with his sister, Aleph Brinley Fogg, at
Brooklyn, and Godfrey Malborn Fogg, who is, I believe, still
living.
" Elizabeth, my aunt, married Capt. William Littlefield,
formerly of the United States army, stationed at Newport ;
Littlefield was aid-de-camp to Gen. Nathaniel Greene, who
married his sister.
" Edward Brinley Littlefield, of Tennessee, who was highly
esteemed there, WiUiam, of Newport, and John, a physician,
who died some years since, at New Orleans.
" Thoj^ias, my uncle, still resides at Newport, a very aged
man, though remarkably vigorous for one of his years. (He
has recently died, aged 87.)
" Catharine, my aunt, married a Dr. Field, a Surgeon in the
British army, and died at Jamaica, on Long Island, without
issue.
^' Gertrude Aleph, my sister, married the Eev. Edward
Gilpin, son of John Gilpin, long his Britannic Majesty's Consul
at Newport.
^' Ehzabetii Parker, my sister, married theBev. J .F. Halsey,
son of Capt. Halsey, of the United States' army.
" My father married, in 1806, Mary, the daughter of Dr.
Johnson, of Newport ; had issue, Edward L. Brinley, now a
merchant, of the firm of Furness, Brinley & Co., Philadelphia:
he married Fanny, sister of Major Brown, now in Eussia.
" My son, Edward, is an officer in the United States' navy.
" My father, Edward Brinley, resides with me ; he is 94
years old, but will not use a cane. He was, when young, shot
through the body, with an iron ramrod, still in my possession.
The following is the copy of the record of the accident in his
own hand- writing :
'' ^ RECORD.
" ' This ramrod was shot through my body, when I was
about twenty-one years old. It was an accident, and happened
thus ; I was out shooting snipe, robins, and other small birds,
in company with a young man of about my own age ; his gun
had an iron ramrod, and in the course of the morning's shooting
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GENEALOGY OP THE MALBORN AND BRINLEY FAMILIES. 121
got foulj and the ramrod stuck, and being stronger in the grip
with my fingers, I had twice pulled it out for him, the third
time it stuck so fast that I 'could not draw it. I proposed
firing against a crib, about twenty-five yards distance, and, I
suppose, I cocked the gun for that purpose. He objected, say-
ing, that he would lose his sport for the remainder of the day.
I then told him to take hold of the breech, and I took the end
of the ramrod, and both pulled away. I think it probable his
hand was before the guard of the trigger, and he must have
touched it with his finger. Off went the gun, the ramrod
through my body. It entered about two or two and a half
inches above my navel, and came out about the same distance
from the back-bone, going, as the doctors said, through the
lower part of the liver. The ramrod was found at the foot of
an apple-tree, in the same form that it is now, /'^""^n , about
thirty yards off. My companion, half frightened to death, ran
off, leaving me to get to a house, not far distant, but with a
five-rail fence to get over. An express was immediately sent
off to town, about two miles distant, and my father, and mother,
and sister, and three doctors, two of them skilful surgeons in
the British army, who then were in Newport, to whose know-
ledge of similar cases, I am, probably, indebted for my life. In
about three weeks I was taken to town in a litter, and in another
three weeks quite well, except weakness.
" Given under my hand this Eighteenth day of October,
A. D. 1848.
" EDWAED BEINLEY, aged 90 years.''
" The pictures of my great-grand-father, and great-grand-
mother, hanging up in my parlor, were painted by Simybert,
who came over to this country with G-eorge Berkley, Lord
Bishop of Oloyne, about 1700. The child in my great-grand-
mother's arms is my grandfather, Erancis Brinley, (second of
Newport.) The back ground of the picture representing my
great-grand-father, is a view of his meadows, &c., with the
town in the distance. The pictures are in good preservation,
(life size,) and have been pronounced ' chef-d'oeuvres.'
" The house at Eoxbury. Massachusetts, built by Francis
Brinley, of Eoxbury, was after the model of the old family
mansion at Datchet, near London, and still is in good preser-
vation."
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i22 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
1634. The record of the Brmley family, commences in
America. It will be perceived by the reader, that the Brinley
family were Ijoyalists. They may have thought, like Saul of
Tarsus, when he was waging a war of extermination against
Christians, that they did it all in good conscience. But '' the
sword of the Lord and of Gideon" prevailed against our ene-
mies ; and they and their descendants fiave reaped the blessings
acquired by other hearts, and other hands,, in the glorious
enterprise.
I have the following information of an old family of Newport
taken from these Eecords, viz. :
" Book 0, page 158, ) Deed from Sarah Eeape, widow of
1st August, 1694. ) Wilham Eeape, late of Ehode
Island, deceased, to William Marsh, son of Jonathan Marsh, of
Newport, mariner, for certain lands in Monmouth county,
N. J."
"William Brinley signs this deed as a witness ; dated in
Shrewsbury, Monmouth county. New- York.
It appears that this Sarah came from Newport, about the
year 1676, and had one patent for land to her in Shrewsbury,
of 2010 acres, and various other large patents ; one of 500
acres, '' in right of her deceased husband.""
" Lib. B2, fol, 165, ) Deed from Jonathan Marsh, of New-
20 Sept. 1685. > port, &c., merchant, to Sarah Eeape,
for a right of Propriety in East jersey."
From the above documents, I find that her husband's (Wil-
liam Eeape) will, was dated 1st August, 1670.
" Lib. A, of Wills, page 5, ) Sarah Eeape's Will ;" (by which
7th of Jan. 1715. ) it appears she had a large
estate in Weymouth, Dorsetshire, in Old England. She devises
as follows): — "To my grandson, WiUiam Brinley, my house
lot, that I bought of the town of Newport, on Ehode Island,
with the housings thereon. And also all my land at Eack
(Wreck) Pond ; and unto his three sons, Erancis, Wilham,
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LITERARY SOCIETY ESTABLISHED, I2S
and Thomas, a silver spoon to each, and all my tract of land
of about 400 acres, in freehold. To my grand-daughter, Sarah
Brinley, feather-beds, &c. ; to my grandson Wilham Brinley^
my great silver cup, and all my land that lyeth at Whale Pointy
and all my right of propriety ; to my grand-daughter, Elizabeth
Brinley, a silver spoon, &c. ; to my grandson, Wilham Brinley,
youngest son of Eeape Brinley, my lands in Weymouth, in Old
England," &c.
By her will she must have been very rich.
My presumption is, that Francis Brinley, (first) of Newport^
had first, Thomas, then a second son, who married a daughter
of Wilham and Sarah Eeape, of Newport, and their son, Wil-
ham, emigrated about the year 1685, to Monmouth county^
New Jersey, and settled with his grandmother ; he was one of
the executors to his grandmother's will.
This Wilham became a man of large possessions, and of
much note. He is first named on the Eecords as a yeoman^
then esquire, gentleman, and judge. The first grant of lands
to him was in 1718 ; and he had many extensive grants of land
besides those devised to him by his grandmother, Barah.
He died about the year 1765, in Shrewsbury.
John Brinley appears on the Eecords, from 1754 to 1774o
He died during the Eevolution.
Eeape Brinley, heir of Wilham Brinley, and the youngest son,
(mentioned in Sarah Eeape^s will,) was ahve, in Shrewsbury,
the 10th August, 1801. His son, Joseph Brinley, lived near
Eatontown, in Shrewsbury, a man of considerable property,
and a member of our Legislature about 1840. He died about
1843, leaving one child, a daughter.
A LITEEAEY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY ESTABLISHED
AT NEWPORT.
The celebrated Dean, afterwards Bishop Berkley, who re-
sided here at the time is thought to have suggested its for-
mation. The society was select, and some of its members were
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124 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND,
men of great intellectual power, among whom were Judge
Edward Scottj Hon. Daniel Updike, Governor Jonas Lyndon,
Dr. John Brett, Hon. Thomas Ward, Hon. "William Ellery^
Eev. James Honeyman, Eev. James Searing, Eev. John
Chickley, Jun., and the Eev. Jeremiah Condy, of Boston.
Among the occasional numbers, w^ere Governor Stephen
Hopkins, and Samuel Johnson, D.D., afterwards President of
Columbia College, New-York, and to this distinguished array
of talent the Eev. Elisha Oallender also belonged.
As this was probably one of the earliest societies of the kind
in this country, we have thought that it might prove interesting
to the reader, to subjoin a few extracts from the '^ Eules and
Eegulations of the Society." The original is in the hand-
writing of J udge Scott.
^' Eirst Eegulation. — The members of this society shall meei
every Monday evening, at the house of one of the members,
seriatim^ and converse about, and debate, some useful question
in divinity, morality, philosophy, history, &c.
'^Second. — The member who proposes the question, shall be
moderator, pro hac vice^ and see that order and decency be
maintained in all the debates and conversation.
^^ Eifth. — No member shall divulge the opinions or argu-
ments of any particular member, as to any subject debated in
the society, on penalty of a perpetual exclusion. Nevertheless,
any member may gratify the curiosity of any that may enquire
the names, number, general design, method, and laws of the
society, and the opinions, or conclusions of the major part,
without discovering how any particular member voted.
'' Newport, Eebruary 2d, 1735.'
One of the objects of this society, was the collection of
valuable books. It was subsequently joined by Abraham
Eedwood, Esq., who gave the sum of five hundred pounds
sterling, to increase its hbrary, on condition that the society
would build a suitable edifice.
The society obtained a charter from the Colony in 1747, by
the name of " The Company of the Eedwood Library."
Abraham Eedwood, was the son of Abraham Eedwood,
formerly of Bristol, England, and Mehitable, his wife, daughter
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LITERARY SOCIETY KSTABLISHEDe 125
of Jonas Langford, of the island of Antigua. At what time
they came to Ehode Island is unknown. Mr. Bedwood died
in Newport, in 1772. They belonged to the Society of Friends.
Mr. Redwood, by the death of an elder brother, became aole
heir of the large estate of his grandfather, Langford, in
Antigua.
In 1748, the present classical building was commenced, from
a design by Mr. Harrison, the assistant architect of Blenheim
House, England. It is remarked by Dr, Waterhouse, that in
architectural taste and costly structure, Newport stood pre-
eminent. He says : ^' Where is there a structure now in New
England, that surpasses the Redwood Library ? "We have
only to lament its perishable material. If you say that it was
copied from an Athenian temple, still there is some credit due
to them in selecting, seventy years ago, and relishing so chaste
a specimen of Grecian taste," At this period, Newport was
the " Athens of America."
We would suggest that the entrance to the Library be
restored, agreeably to its original design, which was a gate in
the centre, leading direct to the steps. It is now in bad taste,
and contrary to the rules of architecture.
Henry Collins, Esq., proved a noble coadjutor of Mr. Red-
wood, and presented, in June, 1748, to the Company, the lot of
land then called Bowhng-G-reen, on which the present edifice
now stands.
The building was not completed until 1750 ; a tax of twelve
hundred pounds was assessed on the members of the Company^
to defray the e^^pense of completing it. The principal library
room occupies the whole of the main building, is thirty-seven
feet long, twenty-six feet broad, and nineteen feet in height.
The present number of volumes is 6,000. The King of
England gave to Redwood Library eighty-four volumes, of
which seventy -two are large folios, and twelve octavos, which
is said to be the largest collection sent to this country. The
entire set has been nearly thirty -five years in the course of pub-
Hcation, and from the great demand for the different works of
which it is composed, many of them have become exceedingly
scarce, and some of them are now out of print. They consist
of Doom's-day Book, Statutes of the realm, Parhamentary Acts
of both England, Scotland, <&Co
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126 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND.
The master builders of the Ubrary were, Wing Spooner,
8amuel Greene, Thomas Melville, and Isaac Chapman.
Abraham Bedwood, of Dorset-place, Mary-le-bone, London,
England, gave the homestead place, situated in Newport, to
the library. In 1837, Baron Hollinguer, a distinguished banker,
of Paris, who was connected by marriage with the Eedwood
family, presented the Company one thousand francs, for the
restoration of the building. Many other bequests have been
made by the friends of literature.
A certain elegant writer, (Dr. Waterhouse,) asserts, '^ That
the founders of Eedwood Library, sowed the seeds of science
among us, and rendered the inhabitants, if not a more learned,
yet a better read, and more inquisitive people, than that of any
other town in the then British Provinces."
The late Dr. W. E. Channing, in a discourse delivered in
Newport, in 1836, alludes to the neglected condition of the
Library, at the period during which he pursued his studies in
the town. He says, ''I had no Professor to guide me ; but I
had two noble places of study, — one was yonder beautiful
edifice, now so frequented, and so useful as a public library,
then so deserted, that I spent day after day, and sometimes
week after week, amidst its dusty volumes, without interrup-
tion from a single visitor."
The other classical spot was Easton's Beach, then equally as
retired, though now so much frequented. He remarks, in his
usual glowing style : ^' No spot on earth has helped to form me
so much as that beach. There I hfted up my voice in praise,
amid the tempest; there, softened by beauty, I poured out my
thanksgiving, and contrite confessions. There, in reverential
sympathy with the mighty power around me, I became con- -
scious of power within. There, struggling thoughts and
emotions broke forth, as if moved to utterance by nature's
eloquence of the winds and waves. There began a happiness
surpassing all worldly pleasure, all gifts of fortune, the happi-
ness of communing with the works of God."
As the name of Berkley has been introduced in this connec-
tion, it may not be amiss to dwell somewhat on his character,
which, for moral purity, was unexampled. Berkley was en-
dued with great powers of mind, and possessed vast stores of
erudition. His intellectual and moral qualities, inspired to
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LETTER OF BISHOP BERKLEY. 127
form in him a character of high and attractive, excellence.
The learned Bishop Atterbury said of him, " So much inno-
cence, and such humihty, I did not think had been the portion
of any but angels, until I saw this gentleman." Pope, who as
i friend knew him well, describes him as possessed of ^' every
v^irtue under Heaven."
It was to such society, that Newport was indebted for the
hitelligence and refinement of manners, which characterized her
past history. Berkley was highly prepossessed in favor of
Newport, as his letters to his friends plainly show.
The following is an extract, from a letter, written by Dean
Berkley, to Thomas Prior, Esq.
" Newport, on Ehode Island,
April 24th, 1729.
*' I can by this time say something to you, from my own
experience, of this place and people. The inhabitants are of a
mixed kind, consisting of many sects, and subdivisions of sects.
Here are' four sorts of Anabaptists, besides Presbyterians,
Quakers, Independents, and many of no profession at all.
Notwithstanding so many differences, here are fewer quarrels
about religion than elsewhere, the people living peaceably with
their neighbors of whatsoever persuasion. They all agree in
one point, that the Church of England is the second best.
This island is pleasantly laid out in hills and vales, and rising
ground ; hath plenty of excellent springs, and fine rivulets, and
many delightful landscapes of rocks, and promontories, and
adjacent lands.
" The town of Newport is the most thriving place in all
America, for business. It is very pretty, and pleasantly situ-
ated. I was never more agreeably surprised, than at the first
sight of the town and harbor."
The following verses were written by Bishop Berkley,
during his residence in Newport, which fact demands their
insertion.
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128 HISTORY OF KHODE ISLAND.
"ON THE PROSPECT OP PLANTING ARTS AND LEARNINa IN
AMERICA.
'< The muse disgusted at an age and clime.
Barren of every glorious theme ;
In distant lands, now waits a better time,
Producing subjects worthy fame.
In happy climes, where from the genial sun
And virgin earth, fresh scenes ensue,
The force of art by Nature seem outdone,
And fancied beauties by the true.
In happy climes, the seat of innocence,
Where Nature guides and virtue rules ;
Where men shall not impose for truth and sense,
The pedantry of Courts and schools.
There shall be sung another golden age,
The rise of empire and of arts ;
The good and great inspiring epic rage.
The wisest heads, and noblest hearts.
Not sucb as Europe breeds in her decay,
Such as she bred when fresli and young ;
When heavenly flame did animate the clay,
By future ages shall be sung.
Westward the course of empire takes its way,
The four first acts already past ;
A fifth shall close the drama with the day,
Time's noblest ofispring is the last."
" The Minute Thilowpher ^"^ wMch he penned while he
was a resident of Newport, consists of a series of dialogues,
involving most of the important topics in debate between Chris-
tians and Infidels, the principal arguments by which Christi-
anity is defended, and the principal objections with which it
has been opposed.
In treating on academical study, he remarks, '' Academical
study ma}^ be comprised in two points, reading and meditation.
Their reading is chiefly employed on ancient authors, in dead
languages ; so that a great part of their time is spent in learn-
ing words, which, when they have mastered with infinite pain,
what do they get by it ? but old and obsolete notions, which
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BISHOP Berkley's bequests. 129
are now quite exploded and out of use : then, as to their
meditationSj what can they possibly be good for? He that
wants the proper materials of thought, may think and meditate
for ever to no purpose. Those cobwebs, spun by scholars out
of their own brains, being alike unserviceable, either for use or
ornament. Proper ideas, or materials, are only to be got by
frequenting good company. I know several gentlemen, who,
since their appearance in the world, have spent as much time
in rubbing off the rust and pedantry of a college education, as
they had before in acquiring it." — Minute Philosopker^ pp.
35, 36.
" The weather was so fine, we had a mind to spend the day
abroad, and take a cold dinner under a shade in some pleasant
part of the country. "Whereupon, after breakfast, we went
down to a beach, about half-a-mile off, where we walked on the
sniooth sand, with the ocean on one hand, and on the other,
wild broken rocks, intermixed with shady trees and springs of
water, till the sun began to be uneasy. We then withdrew
into a hollow glade between two rocks.
^' Here we felt that sort of joyful instinct which a rural scene
inspires, and proposed no small pleasure in resuming and con-
tinuing our conference without interruption till dinner. But
we had hardly seated ourselves, and looked about us, when we
saw a fox running by the foot of our mound, in an adjacent
thicket. A few moments after we heard a confused noise of
the opening of hounds, the winding of horns, and the shouts of
the country squires."— -i^e-r/v-Zey.
It must strike the mind of the reader with surprise now
that the island is nearly cleared of wood, that such fine sport
was enjoyed by the early inhabitants; but one hundred and
twenty 'five years have wrought great and surprising changes.
The spot which Berkley so graphically describes, is the
Hanging Eocks, which was his favorite retreat ; it is near
Sachuest Beach, on which he often rambled. It was not far
from Whitehall, his former place of residence. The scenery is
highly romantic, and, to a mind like his, was justly appreciated..
Bishop Berkley, during his residence at Newport, augmented
the library of Harvard College, by valuable donations of the
Latin and Greek classics. To Yale College he presented eight
hundred and eighty volumes ; and, on his departure from
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130 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
Newport, lie gave the Whitehall estate, consisting of his mansion
and one hundred acres of land, for three scholarships in Latin
and Greek. He returned to England in 1733, and died sud-
denly and calmly at Oxford, January 14th, 1753, in the 73d
year of his age.
Bishop Berkley, though an Episcopahan, was no sectarian,
as his public gifts plainly show. He was far in advance of the
age in which he lived, which is evident from the prophetic
vision in his poem, " On the Prospect of Planting Arts and
Learning in America."
This extraordinary, prophecy may be considered only as the
result of long foresight and uncommon sagacity ; of a foresight
and sagacity stimulated, nevertheless, by exciting feeling and
high enthusiasm. So clear a vision of what America would
become, was not founded on square miles, or on existing num-
bers, or on any vulgar laws of statistics. It was an intuitive
glance into futurity ; it was a grand conception, strong, ardent,
glowing, embracing all time since the creation of the world,
and all regions of which that world is composed ; and, judging
of the future by just analogy with the past. And the inimit-
able imagery and 'beauty with which the thought is expressed,
joined to the conception itself, render it one of the most strik-
ing passages in the language.
Could he have lived to this day, to witness the rapid strides
which have been made westward, until the Pacific Ocean has
been reached, and cities planted by American enterprize, it
would have rejoiced his benevolent heart. And it should be
matter of exultation and pride to every American, that repub-
lican principles are destined to exert a moral, and poHtical
influence over this vast continent. Nothing short of the power
of God, has wrought such stupendous changes, in so short a
period of time.
The high encomium passed on the state of society in New-
port, by Bishop Berkley, was highly honorable and commen-
datory, and should influence the inhabitants to cherish a spirit
of mutual forbearance and kindness, toward one another. His
mind was not circumscribed and limited to self; he took a
broad and comprehensive view of things, and beheved that
good would ever spring up out of evil. He remarks that
" men of narrow capacities, and short sight, being able to see
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BIO^GRAPHY OF ©ISMOP BERKLEY. 131
TsO further than one link in a chain of consequences, are shocked
at small evila^ whlcla attend upon vice. Bat those who can
enlarge their views, and look through a long series of events,
may behold happiness resulting from vice, and good springing
^out of evil, in a thou&and instances." — Minute Philosopher.
" The Rev. Gleorge Berkley, B. B., was born and educated
in Ireland, being of an English fanaily, who had settled there in
the time of the StuartSo His native place was Elcrin, in the
county of Kilkenny, where he was born in 1684. In his youttu,
like his friend Oglethrope, he was patronized by the Earl of
Peterborough, who had an instinct for discovering and bringing
forward men of different orders of talent. Berkley was also
the intimate friend and companion of Po^pe, Bean Swift, and
Sir Richard Steele, for the latter of whom he wrote several
pieces for his periodical, called '' The G-uardian."
" Bisplaying at an early age great literary abilities, Berkley
soon gained a Mgb reputation in tbe learned worlds by several
of those works which still entitle him to be classed among the
most profound and original inquirers into the philosophy of
mind and the first principles of knowledge. His first work,
written before he was twenty years of age, was on mathematics.
This was followed at various periods, among otber writings, by
ibis " Essay towards a new theory of Vision ;" " Principles of
Human Knowledge," and " Alciphron, or the Minute Philo-
■sopber," the latter of which was written during his residence
in Newport, Rhode Island.
^' This great /public benefactor was promoted in IT'Si,
•through the patronage of Queen Caroline, to the Bishopric of
€loyne, and resided in that diocese until July, 1752, when he
removed to Oxford, to superintend the education of his son,
" He had three sons and a daughter. In person he was
stout, and well made., his face was benignant and expressive^
and his manners elegant, engaging, and enthusiastic. In the
latter part of his life he continued his literary labors, and pub-
lished various of his writings. His ^' Minute Philosopher,"
written as we have mentioned during his residence at Newport,
Rhode Island, was pubUshed in 1732.
" His remains were interred in Christ Church, Oxford, and
an elegant monument was erected to his memory by his widow/'
---Mew York Atlas.
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132 HISTORY OF RHODE' ISLAND.
EliEGAKT COUNTRY AND TOWN RESmENCEB.
As Newport increased in wealth and prosperity, many of her
eminent citizens turned their attention to the erection of town
and country residences ; the most splendid of which^ was that
erected by OoL Godfrey Malborr^, about one mile fro^m the
State House. It was commenced in 1744, and was some time
in the course of completion. It was sixty-four feet front, and
fifty-two in depth; and was pronounced the most splendid edi-
fice in all the Colonies. The materials of which it was built
was Connecticut stone. It was two sto^ries high^ with a do^uble-
pitched room^ dormer wmdowsj, with a cupola^ which com-
manded an extens-ive view of the oce-'aBy and Narraganset Bay.
In architectural style, it is said to hare resembled the State
House. The fifteen steps leading to- the hall were spacious^ and
standing as the building did OYh elevated ground,- gaye to it an
imposing appearance. The interior is said to have been equally
as grand. The doors were of mahogany, as well as the elegant
finished circular stair-way, which led to the attic. An aged)
gentleman, of Newport, remarked ta the author, '^ that the cost
of the stair- way alone,, he had heard his father say, was equal
to the expense of building the Brenton House, now owned and
occupied by Simmons S. Coe, Esq.,. in Thames-street. The
estimated expense of this- palace, for it well deserves the appel-
lation, was one hundred tho'usand dollars.
The farm^ consisted of upwards of six hundred acres,, extend-
ing north to Coddington's- Cove. The garden, which lay direct
in front of the mansion, with natural embankments, embracing
as it did ten acres, was enchantingly laid out, with graveled
walks, and highly ornamented with box, fruits of the rarest
and choicest Mnds, flowers, and shrubbery of every description.
Three artificial ponds, with the silver fish sporting in the water,,
gave to the place the most romaDtic appearance. We have
often fancied to ourselves, in our youthful days, when seated on
the high flight of steps which led to the spacious hall of this
princely mansion, and which commanded an extensive view of
the beautiful bay of Newport, of the magnificent state in which
Ool. Malborn must have lived, far beyond any thing of the
present day. It is one thing to have wealthy and another to
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CK)UNTRY SEAT OF 'COL. G. MALBORN, 133
know iiow, and in what manner to appropriate it. There was,
at this period, sublime conception and taste; which enabled the
gentleman to beautify and adorn the island.
No situation could possibly exhibit a scene more diversified
and pleasing than this ; here the ej^e wandered from xjne beauty^
to another more enchantiog, and when it seemad to have
discovered a still more superior view, the slightest glance pre-
sented another, if possible more inviting and wonderful,—
apparently raised by the power ^f magic to captivate the
astonished beholder.
This seat was once the resort of ail the gay, and great ones
of the island,, and has been th^ scene of many a splendid
banquet and joyous festivals.
* Hers, if soiae iwaad'ring wrebek, ike <5hild of fats
Told his sad tale^ and humbly ask'd relief,
^o surly menial drove him from the gate,
Humanity hegaikd the tear of grief.
The well-knowa %ench th<3 mess wiTl ©ver-creep.
And where each rose ki gay 'luxuriance hung,—
Eude tangling weeds will proud donainion keep,
Aad nettles giroiit,^ the spot wher^e blossoms sprung.
Wild berries elust'ring on its straggling thorn.
Will then remain, to mark the shrubb'ry's bound |
i-O'er-grown with weeds, the solitary lawn.
To mem'ry scaree will prove its high renowno
The dreary thought my sinking h^art appals,
And trembling I quit the fancied gloom
Alas ! like this, each human fabric falls.,
And gradual sinks oblivious in the tomb.
Majestic ruin ! noble in desay, —
Thy fame shall liwe, when th©u ai't sunk away.**
Ok June 7th, 1766^ this .elegant dwelling was entirely con-
sumed by fire. The Colonel had a large party at dinner. It was
>a calamity to be deplored^ His nam<e, however, has become
immortalized by the erection of this magnificent .structure, with
the garden attached, which still bears the name of " Malborn's
Cxarden^" though but little remains beside the artificial ponds.
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134 mSTORY OF RHODE. ISLAND,.
Saturday dinners were alternately giyen among the. prmcipal
families, and continaed until the death of Prancis Brinley, Esq>
One principal dish, which was served up on the occasion, was
dun-fish^ a very choice article^, Thomas Brinleyy Esq. , informed
the author, that they cost at that day, as^ high as ten dollars-
per quintal. The process of cooking them was quite different
from the ordinary mode now pursued ;, they were placed in
soak o-ver nighty, then taken out and sewed up in a napkin,, and
simply simmered over the £re ; they were then served up whole,,
with melted butter and boiled eggs. A variety of other dishes
went to make up the entertainment.
It was on one of these' occasions, that the blacks in. the
kitchen of Ool. Malborn, through carelessness,, permitted, the-
wood-w^ork above the fireplace to take fire, and being destitute
©f brains, did not at once throw on a bucket of water, which
would have extinguished it. It spread so rapidly, that before'
the engines arrived from Newport,^ it was enveloped in a sheet
of fiiame, and beyond their power to check its progress ; it&
walls crumbled and felL
It has been stated that the Colonel bore his loss with much
sang-froid, but this tradition we do no.t believe,, A ridiculous
statement was made^ in a small work^ pubhshed a few years
since, that Mrs. Malboni, for fear that her rich and costly
furniture would be injured, prohibited the firemen from entering
the house, Now, the presumption is, that Mis. Malborn, hke
all other ladies, was so much terrifi^ed^ as not to dictate on this^
occasion, but to make her exit from the burning house with all
possible dispatch, and hence save her life
The wealthy • portion of Newport,, in those days, lived m
©picurean styk ; perhaps- there was no place in the Colonies,
that could vie with them in the magnificence of their pubhe
©ntertainmeBts. It w-as Old-English hospitality,. — when the
wine was passed round after dinner, and then followed '' the
feast of reason, and the flow of soul."
The town-house o-f Ool Malborn, which is yet standing in-
Newport, was a splendid habitation. It is an aacient brick
building, and has an imposing appearance with its portico^
double flight of lofty steps, and its heavy and highly ornamental
iron gate and raihngs. On the gate-posts were placed stone
pine-appleSj, and the iron railing arouad the portico^, bore the
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FIRST FIRE ENGINE. 135
Initials G. M. in the centre. The interior also presented many
vestiges of its former splendor, in its gilded cornices and paneL
work, and its mantels of rich marble. A splendid hall, with a
noble "flight of circular stairs, reaching to the attic, displayed
the fine taste of its owner. Does the reader ask, where is this
building ? Alas ! the hand of modern vandahsm has shorn it
of its former splendor ; it is now but an ordinary building, and
scarcely noticed.
Mr. Malborn added much to the interest of the place, and
was generous in all his public acts. It is said that he once re-
marked, " What will not money buy ?" — being a man of ordi-
nary appearance, a wag standing near, overheard the remark,
and was disposed to have some sport. He penned the follow-
ing lines, and stuck them up where they could be seen and
read *
" All the money in the place,
Won't buy Old Malborn a handsome face."
This highly exasperated Ool. Malborn, whereupon he offered
a reward of ten guineas to find out the author. The real
author came forward, and frankly acknowledged it. It is said,
that the Colonel was so much amused with the joke, that he
paid him the reward, and treated him in the bargain. Com-
merce expands the mind, and liberahzes the heart.
The site formerly occupied by Mr. Malborn's house, after a
period of eighty-four years, has been improved by J. Prescott
Hall, Esq., of New- York, who has erected a house for a sum-
mer residence, but the glory has departed.
Mr. Hall's mother was the daughter of Peter Mumford, Esq.,
of Newport, and his wife being a Ehode Island lady, daughter
of the late Hon. James D'Wolf, of Bristol, has attached him
to Newport.
FIRE-ENGIINE, No. 1,^MILL- STREET.
Engine No. 1, was the gift of Col. G-odfrey Malborn. It was
manufactured by Newsham and Ragg, of London, in the year
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136 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
173.6 "With the exception of the box, it remains the same, and
is pronounced as perfect a specimen of the kind, as is to be met
with, even in this day of improvement.
Judge Bowler, like most of the wealthy merchants of that
period, had his town and country residence. The former is
now the Vernon Mansion, corner of Clarke and Mary-streets,
and is certainly a beautiful specimen of architecture. And the
latter, the farm, now occupied and belonging to the heirs of
Isaac Chase, in Portsmouth, which then contained an elegant
garden, filled with every description of fruits and flowers, with
artificial ponds, &c.,at present is nothing more than an ordinary
place.
Mr. Bowler married, in 1750, Ann Fair child, of Newport,
and left a number of descendants.
Vaucluse, the residence of the late Samuel Elam, Esq., he
inherited from his uncle, Jarvis Elam, who resided on the place
for many years before his death. Samuel was an English
gentleman of the old school, and the taste w^hich he displayed
in laying out, and embellishing his grounds, is evidence of the
truth of the remark. His style of living was profuse, and he
could well afford it, for his income was large, and fully ade-
quate to keep up such an estabhshment. On occasions, when
he gave large dinner parties to his friends, the choicest viands
graced his table, as well as superior wines and liquors, of which
he was a connoisseur. Many were the entertainments given at
Yaucluse, in which the guests were treated with sumptuous
hospitality.
His equipage was after the English style, with postillion and
footman. He had his town as well as country residence ; and,
on bank days, (for he was President of the Ehode Island Union
Bank,) he uniformly took dinner at Newport. An old female
domestic, Mar cy Sambo, took charge of the house, and provided
for the occasion. He was a Quaker, and wore the peciiUar
garb of that sect, and contributed to the society. He was a
gentleman of strong prejudices, but whenever he took a fancy
to an individual, he was most strongly devoted. Many an
anecdote is related of him, which goes to corroborate the truth
of the remark. His port and carriage was truly dignified and
noble. His property fell to a nephew, residing in England,
who came over to America, and disposed of his whole estate ;
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NEWPORT THE EMPORIUM OF FASHION. 137
and he immediately returned home, his taste being different
from that of his uncle's. Vaucluse is now the property of
Thomas E. Harard, Esq., and is certainly the most interesting
spot on the island.
The garden contains seventeen acres, most elegantly laid out,
including a labyrinth, with serpentine walks, a fit emblem of
ancient Troy. The walks are spacious, and running in different
directions, presents a charming and picturesque scenery, and
such as a highly cultivated mind would justly appreciate. The
farm consists of about one hundred and fifty acres, scientifically
cultivated. Mr. Harard is a practical farmer ; every thing
indicates system and proper management, and a walk over his
extensive grounds, would soon convince the reader, that we
have not too highly colored the picture.
Many other beautiful residences were to be found on the
island, in her palmy days ; the Overing, Bannister, &c., which
shows the taste of the inhabitants at that interesting period.
Many of the inhabitants were from the first families in Eng-
land, and Newport was regarded not only for her commercial
importance, but as the emporium of fashion, refinement, and
taste. ^' This aristocratic trait of character has continued among
her inhabitants to the present day." The writer from whom
we have made this extract, says, " But the change of popula-
tion, and the death, dispersion, and poverty of those families,
has now reduced society more conformable to the general
republican manners of the country, and has levelled those
arbitrary distinctions, which once so generally prevailed."
Now the views here entertained of the aristocracy of Newport,
being based on wealth, and the loss of wealth levelling those
distinctions, is not founded in fact. The aristocracy of New-
port rested on a sub-stratum more durable. It was intellect,
and refinement of manners, which made the broad distinction
in society. The mere boor, with no other recommendation
than money, his society was not courted; while many, whose
pecuniary means were limited, were held in high estimation
for their moral and intellectual acquirements. This was the
peculiar characteristic which distinguished the age, and which
outweighed every minor consideration.
" Worth then made the man,iiot money — the want of it the fellow ;
The rest was all but leather or prunella."
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138 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
"We wage no crusade against wealth, provided it be justly
acquired, and judiciously appropriated. But when it is made
the idol, and used as an instrument of power, it then becomes
a curse ; and induces many to obtain it in the most fraudulent
manner, in order that their respectability may be secured. It
is truly painful, when we reflect, that man can be so besotted
with gold, which will perish with the using ; and arrogate so
much selfimportance, when there is evidently a want of intel-
lectual ballast, which renders them pitiful objects lo contemplate.
" There's not a day, but to the man of thought,
Betrays some secret, — that throws new reproach
On life, and makes him sick of seeing man."
In 1768, the ship Endeavor, commanded by Gapt. James
Cook, sailed from England for the South Seas, having on
board Sir Joseph Banks, &c., for the purpose of observing the
transit of Venus over the Sun's disk, which took place on the
4th of June, 1769. After making the observation at Otaheite,
Oapt. Cook proceeded south, and having made many discoveries,
returned, by the way of the Cape of Good Hope, to England,
in 1771. She was subsequently engaged in the whaling busi
ness, and put into Newport, in consequence of the war between
England and France, where she. was condemned. She was
then sold for the benefit of the underwriters, to Capt. John
Cahoone, and his brother, Stephen, (father of Benjamin J. Oa-
hoone, Esq., of the United States' navy,) who were building a
packet called the Concord, and the materials which were found
suitable were w^orked in. Eor many years the lower part of
her hull lay on Cahoone's shore, at the south part of the town.
It has long since disappeared, having been manufactured into
canes, boxes, &c., as curiosities. William G-ilpin, Esq., has in
his possession the crown, taken from her stern.
CUNDALL'S MILLS.
The fanciful name now employed is the " G-len." "We prefer,
however, the original name, as being associated with many
interesting events. It is now^ the property of the Hon. Samuel
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ciunb^ll's mills. IS9
Clarice, who married Barbary, the daughter of the kite Joseph
Oundall, Esq., of Portsmouth. Judge Clarke furnished the
author with the subjoined facts :
" The earliest notice of the Oundall family in my possession
is, an indenture of apprenticeship of Joseph Oundall, son of
widow Oundall, of BruntlofF, in the county of York, England ;
said indenture is dated ' first day of ye first month, called
March, in the fifth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady
Queen Anne, A. D. 1706.' As the term of time required to
learn a trade was seven years at least, it tnay be supposed that
said Joseph Oundall was born about 1692. Said Joseph Oun-
dall erected, or purchased, a small fulling-mill, where a stone
factory now stands, in which to dress woolen cloths, &c., and
purchased a third of a dwelling-house, in the north-east corner
of Hunting Swamp, (where sportsmen resorted for game) ; said
house stood on the sonth. side of the highway, nearly opposite
the residence of what was then Abraham Anthony's^ who was
Town Olerk of the town of Portsmouth. At this house, the
wife of said Joseph Oundall died, on the 3rd day of June, 1745.
Said Joseph Oundall purchased, of James Sisson, the farm, long-
called Ound all's Homestead. It contained forty-six acres, with
a fulling-mill, and other buildings thereon."
The farm at present consists of one hundred and forty acres.
The descendants now living are Isaac Oundall, Samuel B., and
Mary, the wife of Perrin Burdick, merchant, of Newport, and
Barbary, the wife of Judge Olarke, who resides at the place.
On Ohristmas-eve, December 24th, , a violent snow storm
occurred, in which Mr. Oundall, on leaving his mill for home^
perished, having lost his way.
Oundall's Mills is one of the most romantic spots on the
island, and has become a general resort of strangers, who
visit Newport in summer, to enjoy the salubrity of its climatej
and its picturesque scenery. The walk through the shady
bower of trees, which opens to the east passage, with Tiverton
and Little Compton in view, is a rural scene, at once grand and
imposing, suited to convey a just appreciation of the enjoyment
of retirement, over the busy whirlpool of fashion.
The stream of water, which propels the small fulling-mill^
adds beauty and sublimity to the scene. It flows on uninter-
ruptedly in its course, agreeably to the language of the poet :™
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140 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAISTD.
" How steadily thou murmurest on, thou tangled little stream,
That stealthily in this deep glen hides — from the day's broad beam 5
Small birds are singing near thee, green branches wave on high, —
But neither breeze, nor bird's glad song, thy murm'ring may put by."
LAWTON'S VALLEY.
This valley, or gulley, as it was once called, is situated on the
west side of the island, in the town of Portsmouth. This is a
delightful retreat in summer ; blooming wild weeds hang luxuri-
antly in waving wreaths from innumerable impending projections
of rock. Many beautiful vagrant rills gently steal through va-
rious crevices, while some, impeded in their course by rude frag-
ments of stone, impetuously break a passage, and precipitate
the sparkling foam down the declivity, till it pauses in the
many windings of a gentle stream. It is sublimely beautiful to
contemplate this wild luxuriance of prolific nature. No spot
furnishes more inviting rides and walks than the island of Rhode
Island, and to the mind of perception and taste, is presented a
wide field for contemplation on the beauties of nature^
The entrance to this rural retreat, is situated about midway
of the road running west from the Union Meeting-house, near the
bridge, known as Cuff's bridge. Cuff was an old family negro,
belonging to the Lawton family. His residence was a small
cottage at the base of the hill, near the bridge. The old cellar
is all that remains to mark the spot. We well remember his
coming to market, in his old-fashioned coat, with the produce
of his small plantation. These reminiscences) afford pleasure
and dehght, far beyond anything of the present day.
This portion of the island is very interesting, and to one who
prefers sohtude to the vortex of fashion, presents attractions of
a highly interesting character.
COUNT SEGUIN'S VIEWS ON SEEING NEWPORT.
" Other parts of America were only beautiful by anticipation,
"but the prosperity of Rhode Island was already complete ;
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COUNT SEGTJIN's VIEWS ON SEEING NEWPOET 141
industry, cultivation, activity of trade, w^ere all carried to great
perfection.
" Newport, well and regularly built, contained a numerous-
population, whose happiness was indicated by its prosperity
It offered delightful circles, composed of enlightened men and
modest and handsome women, whose talents heightened their
personal attractions. All the French officers who knew them,>
recollect the names and beauty of Miss Champlin, the two
Misses Hunter, and several others,
*' Like the remainder of my companions, I rendered them
homage, to which they were justly entitled, but my longest
visits were paid to an old man, very silent, who very seldom
bared his thoughts, and never bared his head. His gravity
and monosyllabic conversation announced at first that he was a
Quaker. It must however be confessed, in spite of all the
veneration I felt for his virtues, our first interview would pro-
bably have been our last, had not I seen the door of the draw-
ing-room suddenly open, and a being which resembled a nymph
rather than a woman, enter the apartment. So much beauty,
so, much simphcity, so much elegance, and so much modesty^
were perhaps never combined in the same person. It was
Polly Leighton, (the way it was then pronounced, but it was
always spelt Lawton,) the daughter of my grave Quaker. Her
gown was white, like herself, while her ample mushn necker-
chief, and the envious cambric of her cap, which scarcely
allowed me to see her light-colored hair, and the modest attire,
in short, of a pious virgin, seemed vainly to endeavor to conceal
the most graceful figure, and the most beautiful form imaginable.
Her eyes appeared to reflect, as in a mirror, the meekness and
purity of her mind, and the goodness of her heart ; she
received us with an open ingenuity which delighted me, and
the use of the famihar word ' thou,' which the rules of her sect
prescribed, gave to our acquaintance the appearance of an old
friendship,
" In our conversation she excited my surprise, by the candor,
full of originahty, of her questions :
'' ' Thou hast, then,' she said, ' neither wife nor children in
Europe, since thou leavest thy country, and comest so far to
engage in that cruel occupation, war V
<>' ' But it is for your welfare,' I replied, ^ that I quit all I
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142 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND,
beld dear, and it is to defend your liberty that I come to figlit
the Enghsh.'
" ' The English j' she rejoined, ' have done thee no harm, and
wherefore shouldst thou care about our liberty ? "We ought
never to interfere in other people's business, unless it be to
rpconcile them together, and prevent the effusion of blood.'
" * But,' said I, ^ my king has ordered me to come here, and
engage his enemies, and your own,'
'' ' Thy king, then, orders thee to do a thing which is unjust,
inhuman, and contrary to what thy God ordereth. Thou
shouldst obey thy God and disobey thy king, for he is a king
to preserve, and not to destroy. I am sure that thy wife, if she
has a good heart, is of my opinion.'
'' "What could I reply to that angel ? for, in truth, I was
tempted to believe that she was a celestial being. Certain it is,
that, if I had not been married and happy, I should, whilst
coming to defend the liberty of the Americans, have lost my
own, at the feet of Polly Leighton.
" The impression produced upon me by this charming girl,
was so different from what is experienced in the gay vortex of
the world, that, as a natural coAsequence, it diverted my mind,
at least for a time, from all idea of concerts, fetes, and balls.
" However, the ladies of Newport had acquired strong claims
upon our gratitude, by the kind reception they had honored us
with, and by the favorable opinion they expressed of our com-
panions in arms, whose absence they deeply regretted ; we
resolved to give them a magnificent ball and supper, a step not
dictated by absolute prudence, since we were only seven or
eight ofi&cers, ten leagues distant from our army.
" Long Island, which was occupied by our enemies, was not
far from Newport ; and we were told that the English priva-
teers sometimes made their appearance on the coast. Such
being the case, and the report of our fet6 having got abroad,
they might have paid us a visit, and rather strangely disturbed
our jovial party. This apprehension, however, appeared to us
quite unfounded, and 1 quickly sent for some musicians belong-
ing to the regiment of Soissonnais Desoteux. Desoteux, who
since acquired some celebrity during our revolution, as a leader
of ' Ohouans,' under the name of Oomartin, took upon himself,
assisted by Vauban, to make the necessary preparations for, the
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THE WARD FAMILY. 143
ball and supper, whilst we went about town, distributing our
invitations.
" The little fete was one of the prettiest I have ever wit-
nessed ; it was adorned by beauty, and cordiality presided
over the reception and entertainment of the guests. But Polly
Leighton could not be present, and I cannot deny that this cir-
cumstance occasionally cast a gloom over my spirits.
'' Time glided on so agreeably at Newport, that we were not
anxious to return to our tents, and, relying upon the indulgence
of our General, we exceeded by a few days the leave of absence
he had given us. But M. Be Eochambeau, who knew all the
importance of a strict adherence to discipline, dispatched
positive orders for us to join immediately our respective regi-
ments ; we therefore reluctantly quitted Newport, and quickly
returned to our head quarters, which were at Providence, and
which, at that period, contained three thousand inhabitants." — -
Count Seguiii's Memoirs.
Polly Leighton, or Lawton, lived in the house, corner of
Spring and "Washington-square, now Touro, changed in honor
of Abraham Touro, Esq., for his noble bequest.
Count Seguin's vivid description of Newport, cannot fail to
convince the reader, of the justness of the high-wrought enco-
miums which have been passed upon her, by those who well
knew her past history. There were acknowledged leaders of
the ton^ and their elegant and pohshed manners, with minds
intelHgent and cultivated, combined to draw around them the
elite of the capital, and to render their mansions a most attrac-
tive place of resort.
Entertainments of every description was the order of the
day, and the prominent fashionables w^ere emulous in gaiety.
Newport gave the ton to the surrounding country, who looked
to them for fashions and manners, previous to the revolution.
THE WARD FAMILY.
As this family held a high rank, and occupied an important
position in the early history of Newport, we have felt called
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144 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
upon to chronicle the interesting part which they took in the
pohtical drama.
The first of this family who came to Bhocle Island, was
Thomas Ward, who came from G-lo'ster, in England, to New-
port, where he married and settled. His father, John Ward,
afterwards came over, and died in 1693. Thomas Ward died
the same year, aged 48 years.
Eichard Ward, the son of Thomas, was born in April, 1689.
He was elected, in 1714, General-Eecorder, or Secretary of the
Colony, and held the office till 1733. In 1740, he was elected
Deputy- Grovernor ; and, on the death of Governor Wanton,
was appointed by the General-Assembly to the office of Gover-
nor for the remainder of the year. In 1741-2, he was re-elected
by the people to the same office. He died at Newport, 21st
August, 1763, leaving a numerous issue; among his sons were
Samuel Ward, who was Governor of the Colony in 1762 — 65 ;
Thomas Ward, who died in 1760, was fourteen years Secretary
of the Colony, and Henry Ward, who was Secretary from 1750
until his death in the year 1797, a period of thirty-eight years.
Many of the descendants are now living in New-York, highly
respectable; — E. E. Ward, Esq., John Ward, and Samuel
Ward.
The year 1758 is rendered memorable in the history of
Ehode Island, as opening the great political drama of Messrs.
Samuel Ward and Stephen Hopkins.
Mr. Hopkins at the time filled the chair of the chief magis-
trate, and Mr. Ward entered the field to contend with him for
that honor. The office, at this period, was held in high esti-
mation in Ehode Island. Mr. Ward was the favorite candidate
of the South, and received the almost undivided support of the
mercantile interest ; while Mr. Hopkins was as warmly sup-
ported by the yeomanry of the North ; and was again re-elected
the three succeeding years.
In 1762, Mr. Ward was elected, but was defeated the fol-
lowing year, and Mr. Hopkins elected. The strife of political
party raged with increasing violence, until such was the heart-
burning hostility of the belHgerent parties, as very greatly to
impair the enjoyment of domestic tranquillity, and interrupt the
hospitalities of social life.
In 1763, the office of Deputy- Governor w^as vacated by the
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STRUGGLE FOR OFFICE BETWEEN WARD AND HOPKINS. 145
death of the Hon. John Gardiner, who then filled that place.
On the meeting of the General Assembly, Mr. Hopkins and
friends proposed that Mr. Ward be invited to fill that ofince,
and that he be elected by the Assembly, then in session. Ac-
cordingly, a committee waited on Mr. Ward with this propo
sition, which was indignantly rejected, and a message returned,
embracing the only conditions of peace, viz. : '^ that both rival
candidates^ at the ensuing election, relinquish their pretensions
and retire from the field."
Another proposition was then submitted by the House of
Assistants, to Mr. Ward, to induce him to accept that ofiSce ;
that five, or one-half of that body, would cheerfully resign their
seats in favor of an equal number of his friends, and the division
of the spoils of offices should be equally divided between the
parties at the approaching election. This proposition was too
humiliating for the Spartan spirit of Mr. Ward, consequently,
it was as unpropitious as the former one ; and he returned for
answer, " that no peace could be expected, while Mr. Hopkins
was in the chair ;" — but repeated his willingness to relinquish
his pretensions, on condition that Mr. Hopkins would do the
same. Other overtures were made to Mr. Ward, but without
success, and both parties prepared to enter the field, with fixed
and settled resolution.
The friends of Mr. Hopkins triumphed, and he was again
elected ; but the following spring he suffered a defeat, and Mr.
Ward and friends were covered with laurels of political glory,
which they were permitted to wear the two succeeding years,
At the opening of the spring campaign, in 1667, Mr. Hop-
kins' party, having been recruited and drilled for the conflict
entered the field, with a firm determination to oust the incum'
bents ; and achieved a victory, leaving Mr. Ward minus four
hundred and fourteen. This was the last pitched battle between
the belligerent parties.
At the October session of the General Assembly, overtures
of peace were again made by Governor Hopkins to Mr. Ward,
which were soon followed by a cessation of hostilities, and
finally resulted in a reconcihation of the parties. This propo-
sition, highly honorable to Mr. Hopkins, was as follows, viz. :
that Mr. Ward and friends, should nominate a Governor from
those in the interest of Mr. Hopkins ; and these should
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146 HISTORY OF EHODE ISLAND.
nominate a Deputy- Governor from among the friends of Mr«
Ward, and so forth, alternately, with the whole council ; or if
Mr. Ward and friends decline the nomination, his Honor, and
those associated with him, will nominate a Governor from
among the friends of Mr. Ward, and so on as before. Preli-
minaries were soon entered into by both parties at Providence,
and a treaty of peace was finally concluded at Newport, March
29th, 1768.
Newport being the capital of the State, it is really gratifying
to learn of the chivalry which she displayed in behalf of Mr.
Ward, her favorite candidate. The venerable Moses Brown
has said, ^' that the violent hostility between these rival candi-
dates grew out of a private feud, which had long existed
between WiUiam Wanton and E. Ward, and that to this cause
alone was the pohtical war waged for so long a period." At
that day, however, a greater freedom of opinion was manifest ;
parties were not afraid to shew their colors ; the chain had not
then been forged to bind the human mind, and crush the
intellectual power of man in the dust. There was a pride of
character, then possessed by the inhabitants of Newport, which
we would feign flatter ourselves may be revived.
These gentlemen were again soon called from the peaceful
quiet of domestic retreat, to enter the field, as friends, to con-
tend for the rights of the Colonies, against the encroachments
of British power ; and engaged in the cause of American free-
dom, when one soul animated each heart.
They were among the first who fearlessly stood forth in
defence of the rights of their country. That they fully enjoyed
the confidence of their fellow-cixizens, both as patriots and
statesmen, is demonstrated in their choice to represent them in
the first Continental Congress. Mr. Hopkins' name, with that
of WilHam Ellery, stands inscribed on the proudest monument
of fame — The Declaration of American Independence ; — and,
though Mr. Hopkins' hand trembled, owing to a paralytic
stroke, his heart never.
The following inscripticn appears on his tombstone, which has
a rich coat of arms emblazoned on its head :
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THE HARARD FAMILY. 147
This Monument is erected to the Memory of
The Honorable EIOHARD WAED, Esq.,
LATE GOVERNOR OF THE COLONY.
He was early in life
Employed in the Public Service,
And for many years
Furnished some of the most Important Offices
For the Colony,
With great ability and reputation.
He was a Member of the Sabbatarian Church of the TowH,
And adorned the doctrine of his Saviour,
By a sincere and steady practice
Of the various duties of life.
He died on the 21st day of August, 1763,
In the 75th year of his age.
THE HAEARD FAMILY.
The Harards were descended from Thomas Harard, who
emigrated from Wales, about the year 1639, to the Jerseya,
and from thence to Rhode Island, and settled in Portsmouth in
1640, His son, Robert, at that time about four years old,
came with him, and was the only son that did so, as far as can
be ascertained, Th^ eldest son of Robert was Thomas, who
died in 1745, aged 92. His children were Robert, George,
Jeremiah, Benjamin, Stephen, Jonathan, and Thomas, From
these sons a numerous issue have descended, and many of them
distinguished men.
George Harard, mentioned above in the record, was the son
of Thomas, who was Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony in the
years 1734, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and great-grandson of the first
settlers, who died in South Kingston. George, the youngest,
early settled in Newport, as a merchant, and was elected a
representative . to the General Assembly from that town, for
many years. He was the only Mayor of Newport under the
city charter, in 1784, and held other honorable and responsible
offices in the State. He died at Newport, August 11th, 1797,
Nathaniel Harard, third son of Mayor George, was a repre-
sentative in the General Assembly for several years, and was
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148 HISTOFcY OF RKOBE ISLAND.
Speaker of the House. In 1818, he was elected a representa-
tive to Congress. He died in Washingtan, and was interred in
the Congressional burying- ground.
" The late Hon. Benjamin Harard was a profound lawyer^
and represented his native town, Newport, in the G-eneral
Assembly for thirty-one years, and^ of coursey was subjected to
the ordeal of sixty-two popular elections^ a singular proof of the
enhghtened stability of his constituents, of his general high
deserty and his peculiar fitness for this important office. This
fact, independent of all others^ entitles him to claim rank as a
distinguished man, and, as it were,, demonstrates the possession
of those impressive and useful qualities,, whose combination
render character at once eminent and enduring,
'' His knowledge of the affairs of the State was far mor©
extensive than that of any other man, and his attachment tc
her interest and prosperity was unbounded. Governor James
Fenner once said, ^ Mr. Harard, you are in every respect a
Ehode Island man;^ this was a high encomium, and well
merited. Mr. Harard's course of reading and of study, operat-
ing upon a mind of genuine native strength, and confirming
and justifying a native steadiness of will, (the germ and guaran-
tee of greatness,) gave to all his hterary efforts and political
proceedings, an air and cast of originality. In the middle and
latter periods of his professional career, he was employed in
most of the important lawsuits of the day, both in the Courts
of the State, and the United States." — Updike's History of the
'Narragansett Church.
A block of wood, from the house built by Grovernor "WilHam
Coddington, was procured by A¥. A. Clarke,, Esq,, cashier of
the bank of Rhode Island, and is now used to cancel notes.
In 1772, King, now FranMin, and Pelh am -streets, were
paved, from the proceeds of lotteries granted for that purpose.
On the 16th of July, a packet, from Newport to Providence^,
with a number of passengers, was captured near the north end
of Prudence, by a refugee-boat, with eig^ht men. On its being
known at iSTewport, a packet was manned by volunteers, under
Gapt. Webster, who succeeded in recapturing the vessel, before
she could be got to sea, and brought her in, together with five
of the men belonging to the boat.
We presume that this was Capt. Nicholas Webster^ who waf3=
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FRANKLIN^S PRINTING PRESS. 149
for many years a very successful packet-master ; he was grand-
father of the wife of James Atkinson, Esq., pubhsher of the
" Advertiser."
On the 13th of July, a most distressing accident took place
in Newport ; a pleasure party, consisting of five young men,
and thirteen young women, while on their way to Oanonicut
Island, in a two mast boat, were upset in a squall, and one of
the young men, and six young women were drowned ; the
remainder of the party were rescued by a boat in sight. The
names of those lost were John Stall, Betsy and Lydia Hockey,
daughters of WilUam Hockey, Polly Spooner, Betsy Allen,
Nabby Stanton, and Suckey Hefferon.
Matthew Oozzens, an eminent merchant, built the house,
commonly calkd the Dudley House, in Middietown,
FRANKLIN'S PRINTING PRESS.
Th^ history of Franklin^s press is this : — James Franklin,
elder brother of Dr. Benjamin, imported, in 1720, a press and
type, for the purpose of carr^nng on the " Art and business of
Printing."" He soon after issued the first number of the '' New
England Courant," the second paper pubhshed in America.
His brother Benjamin became his apprentice., and was employed
in distributing copies to his customers, after having assisted in
composing and working them oft". The publisher of the Cou-
rant having given offence to the Assembly, the paper was
suppressed, and he removed his office to Newport. Here he
first published the '^ Ehode Island G-azette,'' and shortly after
(1758,) established the " Newport Mercury." The press was
used as long as it was serviceable. It is now honored as the
one on which Dr. Pranldin worked, when learning his trade ;
and as giving to the world his first effusionSj in the form of
anonymous letters, printed in the '' Courant." It still remains
in the printing office of the " Newport Mercury.''''
Amidst the changes which have occurred in Newport, many
of which are of a most painful character, there are, nevertheless,
Bome estateSg which have remained m the families from the eSLvlj
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150 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
settlement of the Island, and some prior to the American Eevo-
lution. It may prove interesting to the reader to be informed
on this subject The Overing property has continued to the
present period, in the hands of the heirs, Oahoone, Freebodyjr
Hockey, Job Cornell, Webber, John Stephens, Martin Howard,
corner of Malborough and Thames-streety Jonathan T. Almy,
and the Marsh Estate, which deed was given by Grovernors
Walter Clark^ Bull, and Oarr, from the early settlement.
In. Portsmouth, the farm of Burrington Anthony, Esq., has
been in the family from the period of the settlement, as well as
the Mott, Coggeshall, Sisson, &c.
Caleb Carr was a native of Scotland, and came to Ehode
Island, but the precise time is not known ; he was a large owner
of land in the towns of Newport and Jamestown, some of which
is held by his descendants, together with the ferry, as originally
granted to him, and have since remained in the family.
He held various offices in the Colony, and was Governor here
in 1695, and died before the expiration of that political year.
His tomb-stone is still legible, and lies in the Carr burial ground^
in Newport, which ground was sequestered, and given by him^
for that use. It contains the following inscription :
Here lies the body of
CALEB CAER,
Governor of this Colony, who departed this life, the 17th day
of December, in the 73d year of his age,
in the year 1695.
He left three sons, John, Nicholas, and Samuel. John settled
in Newport; Nicholas, in Jamestown; and Samuel, on Long
Island. John, the eldest, died in Newport, 1717, leaving four
sons, Samuel, Caleb, Eobert, and Frances. Samuel, the oldest,
settled and died in Newport, 1740, leaving four sons, Caleb,
Samuel, Ebenezer, and John. Samuel, the second son, settled
in Newport, afterwards removed to Jamestown, and died 1796,
leaving two sons, Samuel and Ebenezer. Samuel, the oldest,
settled in Newport, and died 1814, leaving four sons and one
daughter, who owned the Ferry Estate, which descended to him^
in a regular line, from Caleb Carr, to whom- the first grant was
given for a ferry between Newport and Jamestown, by an Act
of the Assembly of Rhode Island. It is still in the possession
of the grandchildren of Samuel Carr,
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THE ARTISTS OF NEWPORT. 151
TMs account of the family was furnished the author by
Eobert E. Oarr, Esq., of Newport, son of Samuel. The Oarr
burial ground is situated on the north side of what was once
called the Ferry "Wharf Lane, but now Mill-street. "We would
suggest the importance of having this ground renovated and
improved^
THE ARTISTS OF NEWPORT.
The interest which accumulates as we proceed in the history
of Newport, admonishes us of the necessity of being brief No
spot presents more attractive materials than Newport. Before
the -Revolution, she had attained to a high degree of celebrity,
and stood unrivalled by any city or town in the Colonies. Doc-
tor Benjamin Waterhouse, himself a native of Newport, says :
'' The island of Ehode Island, from its salubrity, and surpris-
ing beauty, before the Eevolutionary war so sadly defaced it,
was the chosen resort of the rich and philosophical, from nearly
all parts of the civilized world. In no spot of the thirteen, or
rather twelve Colonies, was there concentrated more individual
opulence, learning, and liberal leisure."
It was no doubt owing to the highly cultivated taste of her in-
habitants, why so many of her youth indulged in poetry and paint-
ing. Newport has been fertile in producing artists, some of whom
have been highly distinguished in their profession. Edward Gr.
Malborn, son of Col. John Malborn, has left an imperishable fame
as a miniature painter. It is said that when Mr. Malborn, who
went to Europe for the purpose of improvement in his profession,
was introduced to Mr. West, and produced specimens of his
work, after examining them, that distinguished and celebrated
artist, inquired for what purpose he had come to England ? Mr.
Malborn answered, to perfect himself in the art of painting.
Mr. West replied, '' Sir, you can go home again, for a man who
can paint such a picture as this, need not come to England for
instruction." His picture of the '] Past, Present, and Euture,"
now belonging to his brother-in-law, John Gr. Whitehorne, Esq.,
is one of the most chaste and splendid things of the kind in ex-
istence. It represents three female figures. The Past has an air
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152 HISTORY OF RHODE JSLA.ND.
of dejectioiij the Present seems all life and animation, tlie Future
buoyant with hope, and anticipating unalloyed pleasure.
" Earth's perfection, aogel graces
In each feature fair."
"We fondly hope that this valuable relic will never be taken-
from Newport.
"Washington Allston received his first instructions as a painter,
from Mr. Samuel King, late of Newport, who displayed a fine
taste in the art, and his propensity for painting was probably
cultivated by his residence daring his boyish days, amid the
scenery of Newport, whence he had come from South Carolina
to attend the classical school in this place, kept by the late
Kobert Eogers, Esq.
Charles B. King, now resident in "Washington city, where as
a painter, he is much patronized, is also a native of Newport.
It has been said that Mr. King wishes to bestow his valuable
collection of paintings on his native town, on condition that a
suitable place be provided for their reception. It is highly de-
sirable that a chaste building should at once be erected, for the
Southern Department, in which to place whatever is valuable in
a historical point of view. And many others, who have not en-
gaged in this employment as a profession, in their early days
have sketched, and drawn, and painted, until immersed in the
business of life, they have dropped the pencil, but still retain
the taste.
Gilbert Stewart is claimed as being a native of Newport,
though Mr. Updike says he was born in Narragansett. We
have no wish to claim for Newport more than she deserves, but
will merely state the discrepancies of the two accounts of his
birth-place, and leave the reader to judge.
The following is extracted from a letter of Miss Anne Stew-
art, the daughter of Gilbert Stewart, addressed to Mr. Updike.
She states in reply to the questions asked, in relation to what
family of Anthony's her great -grandmother was, that she " was
the daughter of Captain John Anthony, who was from Wales,
and had a farm on tfie Island, near Newport, which he sold to
Bishop Berkley. It was on this farm that my mother was
born, and was married in Narragansett to my grandfather, Gil-
bert Stewart, who was from Perth in Scotland. They had but
tliree children, James, Anne, and Gilbert. As to their birthplace^
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THE ARTISTS OF NEWPORT. 153
you are much letter informed than myself. My father was edu-
cated in the grammar-school in Newport, and then sent to Scot-
land, to Sir George Chambers, for the purpose of finishing his
education at Glasgow, after which he returned to Newport, where
he remained for a time, and was then sent to England to study
with Benjamin West, the great historical painter of that day." —
Updike's History.
It seems from this letter that Mr. Stewart was educated in
Newport, and after going abroad, on his return comes to New-
port, and here tarries, but not one word of his being at Narra-
gansett. Miss Anne Stewart seems to be quite ignorant of her
father's birth-place ; she refers the matter entirely to Mr. Up-
dike, which is most certainly strange and unaccountable. We
have conversed with Miss Jane Stewart, and she appeared to be
ignorant of his birth-place being in Narragansett. She remarked
that her father's associations and attachments were all in New-
port, and she expresses a, strong wish that the remains of her
father which he buried in Boston, might be removed here and
placed by the side of , his wife, which repose in the common
burial ground in Newport.
Without attempting to invalidate the statement made by
Wilbour Hammond, of the conversation said to have passed be
tween him and Mr. Stewart, on his last visit to Narragansett,
as every one is liable to mistakes and misapprehensions ; it be-
comes us to offer such evidence as is furnished of the birth-
place of this distinguished man.
An aged and highly respectable citizen of Newport, in a con-
versation with him on his last visit to Newport, and before
crossing the ferries to visit the old snuff mill, which his father
had formerly carried on, he asked him the question, where he
was born ; standing near the spot, he pointed to the story and
half house, at the head of Bannister wharf, on the south side,
and said : '' there I have been told that I was born." This
statement is confirmed by other aged citizens, which has given
the impression that Stewart was a native of Newport. It is
certain that the name of Gilbert Stewart appears in the census
taken by John Bannister in 1770, and he is there found in the
very spot where he stated that he was born. The building has
since been taken down and another erected in its place. It is
also said that he derived his first impression of painting from
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154 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
witnessing Neptune Thurston, a slave, who was employed in his
master's cooper-shop, sketch likenesses on the head of casks, and
remarked that if he had an instructor, he would make quite a
celebrated artist.
Stewart has been pronounced to have been the greatest painter
of the human head, that the age in which he lived produced,
and perhaps of any other age. The form and features of the
father of his country, the immortal Washington, from his pencil,
will be transmitted to posterity, not only with truth and accu-
racy, but in a style of execution, worthy of the subject, and that,
too, by a son of our own favored isle. The likeness of Wash-
ington, in the State House at Newport, was pronounced by
Stewart as his greatest effort. And it is said he wished his
native town to have it.
THE NEWPORT BAR.
1771. Henry Bull was the grandson of Henry Bull, one of the
eighteen associates who first came to Ehode Island. He was
born 23d of November, 1687. Being a man of strong powers
of mind, he studied, and soon acquired a knowledge of the law,
and became distinguished as a practitioner in the courts. He
was occasionally a member of the House of Eepresentatives
from Newport, elected Attorney- General, in 1721, re-elected
in 1722, but declined serving. He was elected Speaker of the
House of Eepresentatives in 1728-9 ; was one of the Committee
to conduct and manage the controversy between the Colonies
of Ehode Island and Massachusetts, respecting the eastern
boundary. He was Chief Justice of the Court of Common
Pleas for Newport county, at its first estabhshment in 1749.
^' I have heard," says Major Bull, " the aged who had been
acquainted with him, relate what he had told about his law edu-
cation. W^hen he had made up his mind to practice law, he
went into the garden to exercise his talents in addressing the
Court and Jury. He then selected five aabbages, in one row,
for Judges, and twelve in another row for Jurors. After trying
his hand there awhile, he went boldly into court and took upon
himself the duties of an advocate, and a little observation and
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THE NEWPORT BAR. 155
experience there, eonvinced him that the same cabbages were
m the court house which he thought he had left in the garden ;
five in one row and twelve in another."
The conclusion to which he arrived proves him to have been
a man of common sense, and a strict observer of human nature.
But by whatever means he acquired a knowledge of the law",
he certainly "rose to the height of his profession, as a practitioner
in the courts of law and admiralty; as the profession stood in
his day.
He partook liberally of the enjoyments of life, was of an
amiable and engaging disposition, and hved to a great age ;
having been born November 23d, 1687, and dying December
24th, 1771, aged 84.
James Honyman was the son of Eev. James Honyman, Eector
of Trinity church, Newport. As a speaker, Mr. Honyman was
elaborate, but his industry, talents, and faithfulness, commanded
an extensive and profitable practice at Newport, and on the cir-
cuit. In deportment he was dignified — always dressed in the
best, fashions of the times — scrupulously formal in manners —
domestic, yet social in his habits. In person, he was tall, broad-
shouldered, and muscular, but not fleshy.
Mr. Honyman married EHzabeth, the daughter of George
Golding, a merchant of Newport, and left two sons and six
daughters. Most of his daughters and granddaughters having
married British officers, or Americans adhering to the cause of
the Crown, departed with the enemy, when the British evacu-
ated Newport ; and the estates devised to them by Mr. Hony-
man were confiscated. They were afterwards restored by an
Act of Assembly.
Daniel Updike having apphed himself to the study of the law,
and being duly admitted to the bar, opened an office in New-
port, and married Sarah, the daughter of Gov. Benedict Arnold
Mr. Updike in person was about five feet ten inches in height,
with prominent features. As an advocate, he sustained a high
reputation ; and among other personal advantages, possessed a
clear, full, and musical voice. Dr. Bradford used to speak of
him as being a '' fine speaker, with great pathos and piercing
irony." Mr. Updike possessed a large library of classical and
general literature, a considerable portion of which is now
extant.
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156 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND,
Mr, Updike and Dean Berkley were intimate friends. In
testimony of tbe friendship and esteem which the Dean enter-
tained for Mr. Updike, he presented him on his departure for
Europe, an elegantly wrought silver coffee pot, and after his
arrival, sent him his ^' Minute Philosopher," which now remains
in the family as remembrancers of this distinguished divine.
Augustus Johnson. He came to Ehode Island, when quite
young, studied law with Matthew Robinson, Esq., who was his
step-father, and settled at Newport. After a few years' practice
he was considered one of the best lawyers in the State. With
an acute and penetrating mind, he could unravel the most intri-
cate cases with apparent ease, but his great forte was in sifting
and reconciling discordant testimony.
Mr. Johnson was a loyalist, and the stand which he took in
favor of the Crown, brought down the ire of the whole populace
against him. This was on account of his acceptance of the office
of Stamp-Master. He was constantly hissed at and insulted in
the streets, but it had little or no effect on his determinations.
In 1765, his house was surrounded by an infuriated collection
of men, who by their unusual tumult and rage, first led him to
feel that his person was in danger. He was afterwards seized,
and after suffering many indignities, a promise was extorted
from him, to resign the office, with which he reluctantly com-
plied.
On the repeal of the Stamp Act, in 1766, as soon as the news
was received, the people of Newport erected a gallows, near the
State House, and had the effigies of Mr. Johnson, Martin How-
ard, jun., and Dr. Moffat, the stamp-masters, conveyed through
the streets, in a cart, with halters about their necks. They were
carried to the gallows and hanged, and shortly after cut down
and burnt, amid the shouts and acclamations of the assembly,
The contents of their houses and cellars were destroyed by a
mob at night. Howard died Chief Justice of South Carohna ;
a fine portrait of him is in the Boston Court House. The popu-
lar indignation made it necessary for Mr. Johnson to seek pro-
tection on board of a British armed vessel then lying in the har-
bor. In the year 1779, he accompanied the enemy's forces to
New- York. His property in Newport was confiscated, and as
remuneration for his persecutions, he received a pension from
the British Government as long as he lived, and after him the
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THE NEWPORT BAE. 157
game was continued to his widow, who survived him many
years.
Major Matthew Eobinson Johnson, was the son of Augustus
Johnson, who was a native of New Jersey ; he was born in
Newport, in 1761, and entered the British army at an early age,
and served under the Duke of York and Gleneral Abercromby,
at the siege of Dunkirk, and was in the various battles during
the campaign in Holland ; he afterwards served in the West
Indies, and in all sustained the reputation of an accomphshed
and brave officer.
After the peace of 1800, feeling a longing desire to revisit his
native place, he sold his commission, and came to Newport,
where he married, and resided, except for a few years, on a farm
in Portsmouth, until his death, which took place on the 5th of
May, 1818, in the 56th year of his age. He was a high-minded
and honorable man, and enjoyed the respect of all who knew
him. His former residence, in Portsmouth, is now the Asylum
for the Poor of that town.
Henry Marchant, was another highly distinguished counsel-
lor. His father was Hexford Marchant, of Martha's Vineyard,
a captain in the merchant service. His wife was a Butler,
who died when the subject of this memoir was four years old,
a short time after the removal of the family to Newport. Oapt.
Marchant married, for his second wife, the daughter of the first,
and sister of the second General "Ward.
The connection which the father had formed with the Ward
family, had a happy effect upon the future destiny of the son.
Having completed his studies under every favorable advantage^
he came to Newport, and commenced practise. He was the
only dissenting, or ^' hberty lawyer," in the Colony. His
acquirements, industry, and forensic talent, soon raised him to
the head of his profession. In 1766, Mr. Marchant wrote and
prepared the deed from Wilham Read, to William Ellery, John
Oolhns, Eobert Cooke, and Samuel Powler, of " Liberty Tree
lot," (a large buttonwood tree standing on it, at the north end
of Thames-street, Newport.) Said lot and tree thereon, were
conveyed to the grantees '' in trust, and forever thereafter to
be known by the name of the ' Tree of Liberty,' to be set apart
to, and for the use of, the sons of liberty ; and that the same
stand as a monument of the spirited and noble opposition to the
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158 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
Stamp Actjin the year 1765, by the sons of liberty in Newport,
ai^d throughout the eontinent of North America, and to be
considered as emblematical of ' public liberty taking deep root
in Enghsh America, of her strength and spreading protection,
of her benign influences, refreshing her sons in all their just
struggles against the attempts of tyranny and oppression.'
And furthermore, the said tree of hberty is destined and set
^part for exposing to pubhc ignominy and reproach, all
offenders against the liberties of the country, and the abettors
and approvers of such as would enslave her. And, in general,
said tree is hereby set apart, for such other purposes as they,
the true born sons of hberty, shall, from time to time, from age
to age, and in all times and ages hereafter, apprehend, judge,
and resolve, may subserve the glorious cause of Pubhc Liberty."
The deed is witnessed by thirty-one of the most respectable and
influential Whigs in Newport.
"When the island was afterwards possessed by the enemy, the
tree, thus dedicated, was destroyed ; but after the evacuation,,
in 1783, it was replaced by another, which is still standing.
The names, engraved on copper, and placed on the tree, are
nearly covered over by the tree's enlargement. Let the inhabi-
tants of Newport be reminded of their liberties, when they
look on this tree, and guard against every attempt to under-
mine their glorious privileges.
HON. HENEY IVEAEOHANTj
Member of the Revolutionary Congress, and
United States' Judge for the District of Rhode Island,
Died August 30th, 1796,
JSTATIS 56.
William Channing was another distinguished counsellor, of
Newport. In early hfe he sustained many honorable offices
by legislative appointment, and at the annual State election in
1777, he was, by his fellow-citizens, elected Attorney- General^
without opposition ; his predecessor, Mr. Marchant, having
been, at the same period, chosen delegate to the Confederated
Congress.
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MEDICAL FACULTY. 159
Mr. Channing was grandson of Jolin Ghanning, of Porset-
shire, England ; the first of the name who, came to America,
and who arrived in Boston about 1715. He was born in New-
port, May 31st, 1751, and was educated at Aashua Hall,
(Princeton College,) where he graduated in 1769. He was the
father of the late W. E. Channing, D. D., who ranks as one of
the most eminent divines the world has ever produced, as also
Walter Channing, M. D., of Boston, who is distinguished as a
philanthropist.
Matthew Eobinson, the only son of Eobert Eobinson, was ap-
pointed Searcher of the Customs in Newport, by Queen Anne,
andassumedthe duties of the office about the year 1706. Matthew
was born in Newport, in the year 1709. He was well educated,
and was an apt and ready Latin and G-reek scholar, but whether
he graduated from any public institution, cannot now be ascer-
tained. He estabhshed an office in Newport, about forty years
before the Eevolution, and practised law with reputation, and
his business was considerable on the circuits. He was a great
collector of amazing incidents, trite sayings, and conundrums,
which he preserved in a book kept for that purpose. One was,
'' that it was difficult to drive a black hog in the dark."
Eobert Lightfoot was born in London, in 1716. His family
were wealthy, and of high respectability. He graduated from
the University of Oxford, studied law in the Inner Temple, and
was appointed Judge of the Yice Admiralty, in the Southern
District of the United States, in the reign of George II, with a
salary of £6,000 a year. He entered upon the duties of his
office, but the climate enfeebling his health, he came to New-
port, which was then, as now, celebrated for its restorative
influence to renovate his impaired constitution. Finding the
island and its scenery as dehghtful as his fancy could sketch,
and its society refined and attractive, he was disinchned to
return, and resigned his office.
The venerable Dr. Waterhouse, in his letter, observes, '^ I
knew Judge Lightfoot very well ; he was a well-educated man,
and first taught me to value and study Lord Bacon, and from
him I learnt to value Locke, and Newton, and Boerhaave. He
was the oracle of Hterary men in Newport ; was a very able
and learned man, and appeared, at Ehode Island, I thought-—
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160 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
* * * < Condemn' d to trudge,
Without an equal, and without a judge.'
" He was a great epicure, a perfect encyclopsedia, and wel-
come to the tables of the first characters, and constantly dined
from home." (In those days G-rahamism was unknown, and to
enjoy life seemed to be the wish and desire of all.) " He was
not a buffoon or mimic, but a fine relator of apt anecdotes. He
informed every body, and contradicted no one, but had a happy
Socratic method of teaching. He honored me with his notice,
and I gained more knowledge from him than any other man in
the choice of books." These were the palmy days of Newport,
when the island was the intellectual constellation of this Western
hemisphere.
MEDICAL FACULTY.
The names of Hunter, Halliburton, Brett, Moffat, Hooper,
&c., rank high among the most eminent physicians of that or
any other age. Dr. Waterhouse says :
'' About the year 1756, Dr. "WilHam Hunter gave at Newport,
B. I., the first anatomical and surgical lectures ever delivered in
the twelve Colonies. They were delivered in the Court House,
two seasons in succession, by cards of invitation, and to great
satisfaction. His collection of instruments was much larger
than any professor exhibits at this day. Dr. Hunter was a man
of talents, well-educated at Edinburgh, and a gentleman of
taste in the fine arts."
He further says, alluding to Dr. Hunter and HaUiburton :
" We doubt whether Boston, New- York, or Philadelphia, ever
had, at one and the same time, two practitioners of physic and
surgery, better educated and more skillful than these two gentle-
men."
Dr. Hunter's daughters were said to have been beautiful and
accomphshed women. Soon after the peace of 1783, they went
with their mother to Europe, for the purpese of procuring medi
cal aid for one of the daughters. The youngest was married on
the Continent, to Mr, Falconer, a celebrated banker in Naples,
and the other to Count de Callender.
Dr Hunter was the father of the late Hon. William Hunter,
who was Minister to Brazil, South America. Of his distin-
guished talents we are fully acquainted. He was one of nature's
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MEDICAL FACULTY. 161
noblemen, and his native town of Newport felt justly proud of
him, and highly appreciated his commanding talents, in their
electing him to the various offices of importance in the State,
and in the national councils. In the Senate of the United States
none held a higher rank. His eloquence was hstened to with
the profoundest attention. He showed himself a man ; one who
was every way qualified to discharge the high and important
trust committed to him by his constituents. His form and car-
riage indicated the finished gentleman. Those who remember
him in his palmy days, will be ready to respond to the view
here given of him.
Mr. Hunter was an independent man ; he acknowledged no
superior in the sense as to lead him to abandon his own pri-
vate opinion, to gratify some would-be lordling. He planted
his feet on the broad principle of right, and maintained the honor
and dignity of the country which gave him birth. He enjoyed
the friendship and esteem of James Madison and Andrew
Jackson, which we conceived to be no small honor. Mr. Hunter
was of the old school. He never followed in the track of the
modern pigmies and dwarfs, whose pedantry lead them to think
that all knowledge will die with them. His was a higher stan-
dard of moral excellence, derived from an age when firmness
and stability of character were the characteristics of the times.
Dr. Isaac Center, who succeeded the distinguished names
already, was a native of Londonderry, N. H., and was born
about the year 1753. He received his medical education in
Newport, E. I., that place being famed at the time for the num-
ber of its distinguished physicians. "While pursuing his studies,
the news of the battle of Lexington, April 1775, arrived, and
filled with patriotic ardor, he immediately joined the Ehode
Island troops, whom he accompanied to the camp at Cambridge,
as a surgeon. On the organization of the army, he received a con-
firmation of his appointment, and was sent with the expedition of
Gen. Arnold to Quebec. The road was up the Kennebec river,
through the untried wilderness, which occupied thirty-two days,
in the inclement months of November and December, before they
reached the settlement on the Chaudiere ; the w^hole march was
made on foot, during which he, with the rest of the army, suffered
almost incredible hardships. In the assault on Quebec, all of
Arnold's division were either killed or made prisoners of war ;
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162 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
among the latter was young Center, who after being detained some
time to attend to the sick and wounded, was released and suffered
to return home. In 1779, he quitted the army, and served as a
physician, in the town of Cranston, E. I., and was soon after
elected one of the Representatives to the General Assembly,
from that town. In 1784 he was chosen Surgeon and Physician-
General of the State and Army, and removed to Newport, where
he commenced the practice of physic, under the most favorable
auspices, nearly all the old physicans having either died or emi-
grated during the war.
The Rev. "WiUiam E. Channing, D. D., in speaking of Dr.
Isaac Center, says : ^^ He was a physician of extensive practice,
who was thought to unite with great experience, a rare genius
in his profession, and whose commanding figure rises before me,
at the distance of forty-five years, as a specimen of manly
beauty, worthy of the chisel of a Grecian sculptor."
He contributed to several papers, and also to the medical
publications of the day, which acquired him a reputation not
only in his own country, but in Europe. He died in 1799.
He left two sons and three daughters. Di<. Horace Center,
was educated in England, and was a practising physician of
Newport, a gentleman highly distinguished in his profession.
He was killed near Savannah, Geo., in a duel with the Hon.
John Rutledge, of South Carolina. Nathaniel Greene *Center
died at sea, having been in the East India service. Edward
Gilbon, the youngest son, was a young man of fine genius and
elegant appearance. His eldest daughter, Ehza, married Eev.
N. B. Crocker, D. D., Rector of St. John's church. Providence.
For forty-eight years he has continued to minister to this church
and congregation, with acceptance. Having devoted the energies
of his nature in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, avoiding ques-
tions which gender strife, rather " than godly edifying, which is
in faith" — a long life has not ahenated, but increased and
strengthened the affections of his people towards him, and evi-
dences the preponderance of good sense over ignorance, which
distinguishes the society. It is no flattery to say of him, that he
is a man of " blameless hfe and godly conversation," and entitled
to the respect and confidence of the community among whom he
has Hved for nearly half a century.
Sarah married Clement S. Hunt, Purser in the U. S. Navy.
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FISH IMPORTED.
163
Jahleel BrentoQ^ Oapt
John Brown, 1st Lieut.
William Mamford, 2d "
John Tillinghasty Ensign,
Josias Lyndon, Clerk.
t, ^
Sergeants.
A Charter was granted to the Artillery Company in 174L
The first officers elected were.:
John Channing,
Samuel Freebody,
Vf alter Cranston,
Jos i ah Brown,
Job Bennett,
Peter Frebj,
This company has always held a high rank, and embraced
the most distinguished citizens of Newport And for the honor
of the town, and out of respect to the memory of the first offi-
cers, may it never lose its hold on the hearts of the people.
Drummers.
A List of Fish brought to Newport in 1779., as reported %
Edward Thurston,^ Esq.
MemvQS
Anchovies
B
Bass, Sea and Striped .
Blue Fish
Brill
Bonnetta
Bull Fish
Bull's Eyes
C
Cod
€usk
*Cra^alleys
Clams, Mud
" Beack
Cockles
^Crabs, Green
' Sand
" Spide^r
" King
" Sea
" Kunning
« Fiddler
Cat Fish
D
Bace
Brum
E
~Eigg Fish
Eels. Sea
" Lamper
" Conger
" Common
^' Sand
■F
"Flounders
f^rost Fish
^
I Flying Fish
i G-runters
H
( Haddock
Hake
> Holibut
j Herrings, English
L
) Lancets
j Lobsters
> Limpets
M
I Mackerel, Bound
" Small ditk)
*' Large Horse
« Small ditto
" Spanish
! Menhaden
\ Mussels
' Millets
> Mummy Chogs
] Maids
! Minnums
Oysters
P
Perch, Sea
" Fresh-water
Polluckj Whiting
Plaice
Pouts
Pike
Pumpkin Fish
Porpoise
Q
I Quahog
I Bazor Fish
I Budder Fish
* Ship Jack
' Scuppague
', Sheep's Head
\ Sneateague
I Sturgeon
) Skate
\ Shad
> Smelts
1 Sucking Fish
\ Salmon
« Slice Fish
I Sole
j Scollops
> Squirt
J Shrimps
[ Sea Mails
> Sagars
\ Sword Fish
[ Shiners
» Sun Fish
\ Sharks
; 1
\ Thrasher
Tarpum
! Tautogue
; Tom-Cod
} Trout
j Toad Fish
Tortoise
J Whale, Bight
" Humpback
" Striped
> " Bone
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164 HISTORY OF RHCDE ISLANB
Newport has long been justly celebrated,, for having the best
fish market in the world, both for variety and quahty. The
choicest kinds, and the most sought after, are the Tautogue Sea
Bass^ Striped Bass, Horse Mackerel^ and Blue Eish. The
Tautogue, as served up in Newport style, is esteemed a very
great luxury by the epicure : cooked as they are, immediately
after taken from the sea, render them greatly superior to those
obtained elsewhere. It is one great inducement for strangers
to visit Newport, in connection with other attractions v/hich
are to be met within this highly interesting town.
It is delightful to ascend the chff where the fishermen resort^
and enjoy the healthy breezes of the ocean, and contemplate
the restless wave, dashing its starry foam along the rock-bound
shore; while at a distance the inflated white sails of passing ves-
sels, burnished by the meridian sun,= glide on the bosom of the
ocean, and dazzle with its brightness the attentive eye that
watches the beautiful sight.
Fishing, to the gentleman of leisure, is a pleasant pastime ;
nothing is more exciting and animating, than to hook a fine
white chin tautogue, and draw him up on the rocks, in connec-
tion with anticipating the moment when he^ is placed on the
gridiron, well-smothered with onions, &c. Why the mere thought
makes the mouth water for such e; repast.
It has been a question whether the facihties for fishings which
are enjoyed to so high a degree in Newport, is of advantage or not
to the place. "We have no hesitation in saying, that situated m
Newport' is, it proves a great blessing to the inhabitants, afford-
ing employment to ximnj who would otherwise have nothing to
do ; and it is also a laudable occupation and conducive to
health and longevity. It is one of God^s blessings to his crea-
tures, and as such, should be highly appreciated and valued by
the inhabitants.
The Point— the northern part of New^port— is a highly inter-
esting and beautiful portion, already beginning to be appreciated
by strangers. In this section of the town, many of the inhabi-
tants procure a hvelihood by following the business of fishing.
They own their boats, and go outside as far as Beaver- tail .;
occasionally they obtain a job to pilot some vessel to Providence^
Fall Eiver, &c. The Youngs, Gladdings, Huddys, fe^., have
been an easy and clever set of fellows, and they have well per-
formed their part in securing varieties from the briny deep.
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THE FISK TRADE IN NEWPORT. 165
All old fisherman, Samuel Maxson.5 has kindly furnished the
author with the most noted spots which have long been the re-
sort of tbe inhabitants, of Newport, to take fish. They are to
be found at the south part of the island, about two miles from
the town, viz : Taylor's Point, Elli-son's Eocks, Shelf Eock,
Stanton Eock, OoggeshalPs Ledge, Bass Eock, Eough Pointy
Cluster Island Eocks, Gulley, near the boat-house^ Spouting
Eock, a httle to the west of south, Jeffries' Point, or Eock Parm
Point, Gooseberry Island., a short distance from Ehoda Island..
This was a favorite place of resort of CoL John Malborn, and
his associates, who were often in the habit of spending a week
on the island^ taking fish and adhering strictly to the old maxim
of having their swim three times. They used to have a jolly
time of it, and often indulged to excess. Cherry Neck, Price's
Neck, Seal Eock, Brenton's Eeef, Castle HilVso named from an
old fort remaining on the farm, Isle Eock, Churches Beach,
Kettle-bottom Eock, Almy's Pond., and Lily Pond, where
perch were occasionally taken .^ the salt water fish being pre-
ferred, on account of thair superior fiavor, not many are taken.
These are the most important places in Coggeshall and Bren-
ton's Neck ; and no sight is more pleasing .than to witness the
fishertoen returning with a fine supply of fish, to furnish New-
port market.
Every day in the year some kinds of fish may be found at the
head of Bamister'e Wharf, Ferry Wharf, and tke G-ranary or
Brick Market, the three principal depots. Here stand the
wheel -barrow^s, with their choice contents, an object of interest
to the inhabitants. This is one of the old land-marks, like the
blue eggs and egg-nog.^ which continue to be sold on the day
of general election, and may these relics of anti(|uity forever dis-
tinguish th^ town.
Wild fowl are at .certain seasons quite abundantj asd are es-
teemed a great luxury by many. Captain Jeremiah Bhss, the
son of the late Elder Bliss, who has attained to th^ advanced
age of fourscore years, was comsidered the best shot on the
Island ; h^ has been known in former days to load ahorse with
sea-fowl.
To the man of leisure, it is fine sport to shoot the fowl
which hover around the shores, and still more gratifying.^ to
pa^rtake of a fi.ae .stew, m.ade of them
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166 HISTORY OF E.HODE ISLAND-,
Having alluded to the Boat-house, we would subjoin a few
remarl:s. It has existed from a very early period, and was in-
tended as an accommodation to the inhabitants of Newport.
Captain Jeremiah Bliss says : '^ I have- known it for more than
sixty years, and helped to build the one which was destroyed
m the September gale."' The Malborn^B, &c.., were in the habit
of resorting there before this period, and had partitioned off
a room to keep their guns and ammunition. In the transfer of
the farm, which has been frequent, this privilege to the land has
always been granted, as being a public benefit in which each
citizen of the town had a right to participate. There was one
attempt m'ade to question the propriety of having this site oc-
cupied for the above purpose, but public opinion put the matter
to rest.
Sir G'ranvilTe Temple's daughter died of small pox, and wafj-
buried on the Harrison Farm,. S. S. W. of the Lime Eocks.
Dark Day, 1780^. The Dark Day was distinguished by the
phenomenon of a remarkable darkness in the North part of
America, and is still called the Dark Day.
The following is an account (i>f its appearance at Newport, a®
given at the time :
" There fell here a singular and remarkable darkness, which
overspread the hemisphere for about five hours. In the morn-
ing were showers attended with) distant thunder ; about 1 G o'block
A. M., a darkness came on, which by 1 1 o'clock, was perceived
to be very unusual and extraordinary, and in half an hour after
was considered as what was never before seen in these northern
dimates in America. The darkness was so' intense, from
a little before noon to two o'clock, as that persons could not
read, and it became necessajy to light up candles. Even the
fowls, it is said,, went to roost. Many of the inhabitants were
thereupon thrown into the greatest consternation, as if the ap-
pearance was supernatural, and believed that the Day ef Judg-
ment was about to come. A little after 2, P. M., it became
somewhat lighter, but the darkness soon returned. About 3:
o'clock it began to go off, and at 4, P. M., the heavens resumed
their usual light, as in a cloudy day, although the cloudinesB
continued all the rest ef the afternoon."
Tarious were the speculations on the eventj but no fixed coa^
elusions were ever arrived at.
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LOOK-OUT HOUSE BUILT. 167
GREAT SNOW STORMS AND INTENSE GOLD.
In 1717, two great snow storms took place, on the 20th and
24th of Eebruary, which covered the ground so deep with
snow, that people for some days could not pass from one house
to another. Old Indians said, their fathers had never told
them of such a snow. . It was from ten to twenty feet deep,
and generally covered the lower stories, so that people dug
paths from one house to another, under the snow. Soon after,
a slight rain fell, and the frost crusted it over, so that the
people went out of their chamber windows, and walked over it.
Many of the farmers lost their sheep, and most of the sheep
and swine which were saved, hved from one to two weeks
without food.
Great damage was done to the orchards, by the snow freez-
ing to the branches, and splitting them from the trees by its
great weight.
This fall of snow formed a remarkable era in New England,
and old people in relating an event would say, that it happened
so many years before, or after, the great snow.
About the first of January, 1780, a period of steady cold
commenced ; during forty days, even on the south and sunny
side of the buildings in warm situations, there was no indication
of a thaw. The light and dry snow drifted and eddied wnth
the incessant motion of thfe wind ; paths' opened, were imme-
diately filled up, and communication was entirely interrupted,
ISTarragansett Bay remained frozen over for six weeks, and the
ice extended from the shore as far as the eye could see.
The inhabitants of Newport experienced the greatest distress
for fuel ; wood could not be had, and they were obhged to
resort to wharf logs, old buildings, fences, "and every other ex-
pedient to keep themselves from freezing. Wood was sold at
the enormous price of $20 per cord. Provisions were equally
scarce. Corn was sold at four silver dollars per bushel, and
potatoes at two dollars per bushel ; and other articles in like
proportion.
In 1756, a look-out house was built on the top of the stone
mill, which then belonged to John Banister, Esq. Benedict
Arnold's daughter married Edward Pelham, who inherited his
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168 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
estate. Mr. Pelham left two daughters, one of whom married
John Banister, and the other John Gowley, to whom his
estate descended, consisting of Banister's Wharf, and the one
known as Stephens' "Wharf, which extended from Pelham-street
to what is now called Bellevue-street.
The Banister family once filled a large place in Newport.
The farm of the late George Irish, Esq., was the country seat
of the Banisters, They lived in a style of affluence, and the
choice viands which graced their table, would satisfy an
epicurean palate. But one of the name is now left in Newport,
of this once distinguished family. We have in our view at this
very moment, Mrs. Banister, one of the older branches of the
family, who resembled a lady dowager in the dignity of her
appearance, and the courteousness of her manners.
THE STONE MILL,
" Taney spreads her wing
Around thy time- scathed brow, and deeply tints
Her fairy scroll, while hoar antiquity
In silence frowns upon the aimless flight.
And whatsoever bears
The stamp of hoary time, and hath not been
The minister of evil, claims from us
Some tribute of respect."
In dimensions this mill is nearly twenty-five feet in height,
its diameter on the outside is twenty-three feet, and inside is
eighteen feet nine inches. It is circular, and supported upon
eight arches, resting on thick columns, about ten feet high ; the
height of the centre of the arches from the ground is twelve
feet six inches, and the foundation extends to the depth of four
or five feet.
There has been much speculation-, in relation to this struc-
ture, within the last twenty years ; strangers, visiting Newport,
have attempted to make it out as being erected by the labor
of Northmen, whom they supposed to have discovered this
continent, anterior to Columbus in the twelfth century.
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THE STONE MILL. 169
These Northmen were the descendants of the BcandinavianSj
who, it is thought, sprang from the Thracians, mentioned by
Homer, a nation now extinct. The Danes, Swedes, Nor-
wegians, and Icelanders, all come under the name of Northmen,
or Norsemen. Their literature has been compared, in extent,
to the literary remains of Greece and Latium. This opens a
new fountain of research, where the scholar may often
" Return and linger, linger and return."
In a work recently published in Denmark, the author has
attempted to show that the old Stone Mill was built by North-
men. The Eev. Mr. Kipp, of Albany, tells me he saw at the
residence of the Duke of Tuscaify, a .Swedish Count, who spoke
of this building as the work of Northmen. He was perfectly
familiar with the discoveries of those whom he proudly called
" his people."
^' The active mind of man instinctively surveys the dark
regions of the past, and would gladly break the unfathomable
silence of the nations of the dead, and raise the veil where their
beauty and glory have slept for ages. The strong desire to
learn something of those who lived when time was young,
leads the antiquarian to often adopt groundless theories." —
Antiquities of America^ by A. Davis.
We have made this extract, for the purpose of preparing
the mind of the reader, to draw his own inferences from the
views entertained by antiquarians, with those which are held
by the people of Newport, especially those of David Melville,
Esq., who has devoted much time and attention to the investi-
gation of the subject.
The most ridiculous views have been entertained of the
nature and object of this structure, and. also of the period when
it was erected. These visionary ideas are of recent origin, and
are not founded in fact, but the mere workings of a fanciful
imagination which aims to surround the structure with a kind
of romance, in order to gratify a morbid appetite which delights
in the marvellous. We shall offer extracts from the will of
Governor Benedict Arnold, and of Edward Pelham, who mar-
ried his daughter, and then present the arguments which have
been ably employed by one of our most respectable citizens,
David Melville, Esq :
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170 HISTORY or p.hode island.
^' My body I desire and appoint to be buried at ye northeast
corner of a parcel of ground containing three rods square, being
of, and lying in, my land, in or near the line or path from my
dwelling-house, leading to my stone-built wind-mill, in ye town
of Newport abovementioned." — A True Copy from the Records
of the Toion Clerkh Office in the Toiun of Newport^ Page 348.
No. 5 Probate Records.
What language could possibly have been employed, more
significant, to convey to the mind the object for which this struc-
ture was reared, " my stone-built wind-mill, in the town of New-
port." He does not say, " my so-called mill." as though he was
ignorant of the origin or the design of the structure, but speaks
in the most expHcit manner, no 'doubt bemg entertained in his
mind, of the nature and design of the building. We have
asked the opinion of legal men, in what hght they understood
the language of Governor Arnold, and they have at once ad-
mitted that it was to be understood in its most literal significa-
tion, as a mill built by Governor Arnold, for a useful purpose,
viz. : to grind corn for the early settlers.
Extract from Edward Pelham's will, dated May 21, 1741.
Bequest to bis daughter Hermseoine, the wife of John Banister,
after others previously made :
'^ Also one other piece or parcel of land situated, lying and
being in N,ewport aforesaid, containing eight acres or there-
abouts, with an old stone wind-mill thereon standing, and being
and commonly called and known by the name of the mill field,
or upper field."
The butts and bounds shew this to be part of the lot men-
tioned in Benedict Arnold's will, on which he says '' standeth
my dwelling, or mansion-house," &c., '^ as also my stone-built
wind-mill."
This property remained in the Banister family until the Ameri-
can Eevolution. Here we have additional testimony of the
nature and object of this structure,. which has called forth such
frequent discussions in the public prints. It is here clearly im-
phed, if language can be understood, that it w^as built for a
wind- mill, and this has been the opinion of the inhabitants of
Newport, who have given the least attention to the subject.
Mr. Pelham does not attempt to make out in his will, that it
was anything else than what had been before so lucidly and
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THE STG-NE MILL. 171
dearly described by Governor Benedict Arnald, but says, " an
old stone wind-mill thereon standing." No instrument ever writ-
ten could have been plainer or more to the point ; and it shows a
very great weakness in the human mind, to attempt to prove
that it was built anterior to the discovery of this Continent by
Columbus.
Those who settled the Island of Aquedneck, were not ignorant
men, they had a knowledge of architecture, acquired in Europe^
and the abundance of stone at their hand, induced them to erect
the wind-mill, of this material, as being more permanent and
lasting. There is nothing very remarkable in its constructioni
It is built of rough stone, placed without order, though in a
communication made to the Antiquarian Society of Copenhagen^
by Dr. Webb, he has made a statement so entirely incorrect as
to deceive the Society into the idea that it could not have been
erected by the early settlers of the island. He represents it as
" built of stone, and laid in regular courses," which is not the
fact, and had a tendency to mislead the mind of those to whom
the statement was sent.
To our mind, the construction of this mill for an important
and useful purpose, viz., to prepare food for the inhabitants, is
a rational conclusion to arrive at, and one infinitely preferable
to the vague notion embraced by many minds hving at a dis-
tance, that it was erected as a fortress to defend a; race who-
occupied the Island in the twelfth century. The former is the
only sensible view which can be taken of the subject, while the
latter is replete with the most egregious folly.
Nicholas Easton, who built the first house in Newport, makes
no mention of the mill, which, if it had then been standing,
would no doubt have been made matter of record by him or
others of the early settlers.
A gentleman procured a quantity of the cement or mortar^
from the wall of the old stone house in Spring-street, which
was built by Henry Bull, one of the first purchasers of the
Island, and immediately after the first settlement of the town^
in 1638, and specimens from several other ancient buildings and
stone chimneys, and some from the tombs of Governor Arnold
and his wife, and from the stone mill, and analyzed and com-
pared them, and found them of the same quality, and composed
of shell lime^ sandy and gravel ; and considered it very strong
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172 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLANB.
evidence that they were buiit not far from the same time — all
probably within a period of thirty or forty years from each
•other. It will be borne in mind by the reader, that we noticed
the making of shell-lime at a very earlyperiod of the settlement
of the town.
It may appear strange to the reader that this discovery has
so recently been made. But when it is considered that pubhc
attention has never been called, to the investigation of the sub-
ject until of late, their surprise and astonishment should cease.
Many things are taken for granted, which may not in fact be
true. It was currently reported and beheved in olden times,
that the celebrated spot known as Purgatory, at the second
beach, had no bottom, and that frequent attempts had been made
to sound it, but without effect. Now, so far from this being
the truth, the tide ebbs and flows into it, and at low water it is
quite shallow. Superstition has ever had its votaries, down to
the period of spiritual knockings.
We will now subjoin a portion of the correspondence, held
through the Neivport Herald and The Rhode Islander^ on this
recently mooted subject, feeling satisfied in our own mind that
our venerable townsman, David Melville, Esq., has done ample
justice to the subject, and confounded the idle theories of his
opponents, and shown to the world that it is nothing more or
less than an old stone mill
^' Mr. Eastman,
" Your readers will recollect the controversy pubhshed some
months since in relation to this ancient structure, which ori-
ginated from the inquiry of a ' Visitor,' published in the
Mercury, as to its origin and object, w^hich w^as answered by a
writer in the Newport Daily News, under the signature of
^ x^ntiquarian, Brown University, Providence, Ehode Island.^
The correctness of which was disputed, and pronounced false
and groundless by the writer, under the signature of ' One of
the Oldest Inhabitants,' published in the Herald of the Times
and Ehode Islander. The pubhcation of his last article on the
subject, in the Herald of August 5th, 1847, silenced ' Antiqua-
rian,' by showing conclusively that his whole statement was a
base fabrication, without the least foundation in truth, and
andoubtadlj intended for deception ; the object of which ap-
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THE STONE MILL, 173
peared to be to fix tlhe date of its structure to remote antiquity^
and that it was the works of the ISTorthinen, (the ancient Scan-
dinavians,) who visited the eastern portion of this continent as
early as the tenth century, and as evidence that they visited^
and estabhshed themselves on this island at that period ; from
what sinister motives this was undertaken, the writer will not
attempt to decide, but leaves that to the pubhc.
" In conformity to the declared intention of the writer to
represent the facts to the Eoyal Society of Antiquarians at
■Copenhagen, he forwarded to the President of the InstitutioUy
by the favor of the Honorable George Bancroft, our Minister
in England, through the Danish Legation in London, a copy
of the Herald of the Times and Ehode Islander, of August 5^
IMT, which contained the full report attributed to Professor
Scrobien, as published by ' Antiquarian, Brown University,
Providence, Khode Island,' with a letter, calling the attention
of the Eoyal College to the subject, (which is too lengthy and
quite unnecessary to be pubhshed,) asking the favor of an
answer, if such a report had ever been made to the Society ^
and acted upon as stated in the report.
*' To this communication, the writer hss just received the
following answer :
'^ ^ Copenhagen, January 4th, 1848.
'' ' Sir,
" ' Your letter of the 12th of August, with the Herald of
the Times and Ehode Islander, of August 5th, 1847, I duly
received a few days ago.
" ' I beg to return you my thanks for the communication
transmitted, and deem it my duty to inform you that the article
which lately appeared in your journals, on the subject of the
ancient structure in Newport is, from beginning to end, a
downright fabrication, no such having ever been made to the
Eoyal Society of Northern Antiquities as the one alluded to.
The persons mentioned in the article, too. Bishop Oelrischer^
Professors Scrobien, Graety, &c., are all fictitious characters^
there never having existed here individuals bearing those names.
Thus the entire notice is nothing more than a fiction, the object
of which is to mystify the pubUc,
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174 HISTOR.Y OF RHODE ISLAND,
*' ' It were to be -wisbed, tbat sucb of tbe American journals
as have admitted tbe article in question into tbeir columns,
would apprize tbe public of its entire falsity.
" ^ In 1837 I published, on behalf of our Society, the Old
Korthern Sources to the Ante- Columbian History of America
in the work entitled, Antiquitates AnERicANiE. Taking the
astronomical, nautical, and geographical evidences contained in
the ancient records themselves for a groundwork, I have en-
deavored to prove that our Scandinavian forefathers in the tenth
century discovered a portion of the eastern coast of North
America, and in particular visited Massachusetts and Ehode
Island.
" ^ Inquirers of the greatest celebrity here in Europe, have
looked upon the arguments used by me as conclusive, among
whom I may mention Alexander Humboldt, in his recently
pubhshed Kosmos, vol 1 1, pages 269-272, where he considers
the results of my investigations as historical facts fully de-
monstrated.
'' * At the time when I published the work above alluded to,
I was not aware of the ancient structure in Newport, which,
consequently, cannot have led in the remotest degree to the
results deduced, nor is there a single word said about it in my
work, which, moreover, is to be met with in most of the larger
libraries in America, as well as in Eurppe ; and thus opens an
easier access to the study of the original written sources them-
selves.
" ' The right interpretation of the accounts in the ancient
parchment copies, clearly proves that it was precisely Massa-
chusetts and Ehode Island which the ancient Scandinavians
visited, and where they established themselves. The agree-
ment of the astronomical, nautical, and geographical evidences,
leads in this respect to so certain a result, that doubtless
nothing further is required.
" ' The early monuments which are met with in those regions,
unquestionably merit the attention of the investigator, but we
must be cautious in regard to the inferences to be drawn from
them.
*' ' Concerning the ancient structure in Newport, -(of which
we had no previous knowledge whatever,) we first received a
communication on the 22d of May^ 1839, from Thomas H.
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THE STONE MILL. 175
Webb, M. D., (now of Boston, formerly of Providence,) which
is inserted in our Memories des Antiquaires du Nord, 1836 —
1839, page^361, and I feel assured, that whoever reads that
article, will therein discern all the caution which a scientific
investigation demands, and all the respect due to an institution
which has acquired confidence in and out of Europe.
^^ ' From the drawings transmitted to us by a trust -worthy
hand, our ablest judges skilled in the history of architecture,
have pronounced the architectural style of the building to be
that of the twelfth century, from which period a structure
exactly corresponding has been pointed out, along with others
in the same style. It is difficult, how^ever, without being on
the spot, to offer any decided opinion as to the period to which
the structure itself is to be referred, nor has any one here ven-
tured to do so. Here, in the North, no wind-mills occur of
this construction, and a gentleman distinguished for his know-
ledge in the progressive history of the arts, and who has
traveled much in Europe, has declared, that he never met with
any such.* It would seem better, therefore, to leave the matter
undecided, until further information can be obtained. But,
even supposing that the origin of this and other monuments
cannot be ascertained with precision, this in no way affects the
stabiUty of the historical facts deduced from the ancient manu-
scripts ; that the Scandinavians in the tenth century, discovered
and established themselves in Ehode Island and Massachusetts,
in proof of which no other testimony is required than what is
afforded by the ancient records themselves.
" ' Our Society would be glad to receive trust-worthy
* In the " Penny Magazine of the Society for the diffusion of Useful Knowledge,
for November, 1836," p. 480, there is an engraving of a Wind-mill at Chesterton,
Warwickshire, England, erected after a design of Inigo Jones, which, without the
roof and vanes, shew an exact fac-simile of the Old Mill at Newport. An aged
ship-master, late of this town, of the first respectability and of undoubted integrity,
who has been many voyages to the North of Europe, informs me that he has seen
there more than forty wind- mills, of the same material and construction as the old
wind-mill here ; and he had curiosity once to ask, at one of them, why they were
built on pillars and open between them ? and was informed that on this construction
the wind having a free passage through, there was no eddy wind caused to make a
back sail and lessen the power. Other authorities might be quoted, but we think
it wholly unnecessary, for every sensible mind after reading the evidence adduced,
must be convinced of the object for which the structure was intended.— A^oce hy
the Author,
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176 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
communications on the subject of Ante-Columbian Monuments
of America, to be preservecl in the American section of the
Society's Historico-Archseological Archives, and also for inser-
tion in their Memories, in as far as they may be suited for the
purpose. Such articles as the one you have made known to
us, merits no place within the pale of science, and we are glad
to observe that by you also, they are estimated according to
their deserts.
^^ ^ I have the honor to be, sir,
'' ^ Your obedient servant,
<' ^ Charles C. Eafn,
'' ^ Sec'y, E. S. K A."
" * David Melville, Esq., Newport, K. I.'
*^ It appears by the foregoing letter that the Boyal College re-
ceived a communication on the 22d of May, 1839, from Thomas
H. Webb, M. D., (now of Boston, formerly of Providence,)
which is inserted in their Memoirs des Antiquaries du Nort, of
1836 — 1839, page 361, in which Doctor Webb gives a description
of the architectural construction of the ruin, and they received
also drawings of the same, transmitted to them by trust-worthy
hands, from which description, and the drawings referred to, their
' ablest judges,' skilled in the history of architecture, have pro-
nounced the architectural style of the building to be that of the
twelfth century. Upon this it is barely necessary to remark,
that the description given by Dr. Webb, as well as the drawings
which w^ere transmitted, though in their ^general contour cor-
rect, are in their ininutise visibly incorrect, so decidedly so, as
to mislead the judgment of those best skilled in the history of
architecture, and to render it impossible for them to determine
with any reliable precision, the period to which the structure
may be referred ; there is no reliance, therefore, upon the opin-
ions pronounced by the ablest judges skilled in the history of
architecture, founded on date so incorrect as that submitted to
their inspection.
" The Royal Society of Antiquarians, at Copenhagen, which
is universally considered as the source of correct information,
on facts relating to subjects of antiquity, have been imposed
upon by unprincipled miscreants in this country. As an instance
of their success in their attempts at deception, I would refer to
the follownng : The inscription on the Dighton Rock^ which is
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THE STONE MILL. 177
undoubtedly an Indian inscription in commemoration of some
great battle, and was so pronounced by General Washington,
when a copy of it was shown to him at Cambridge, during the
Eevolutionary War, he having seen many similar to it in the
Indian country ; and is so considered by Henry E. Schoolcraft,
Esq., Professor of Geology in the service of the United States,
who visited the Eock the last summer, and who has seen many
of the same description in various parts of the country, from
Maine to the source of the Mississippi, and is acquainted with
the meaning of many of the characters in the inscription. This
inscription has been copied by some designing wretch, and for-
warded to the Eoyal Society of Antiquarians, at Copenhagen,
undoubtedly for deception, and pubhshed in the work alluded to
by Prof Bafn, entitled Antiquitates AmericancB. The version of
the inscription pubhshed in that work, and distributed throughout
Europe and America, was altered so as to make it appear to have
been the work of the 8candinavians,by altering the characters, and
adding in the body of the inscription, the characters, E I NX,
which is said to be the name of one of their early navigators ;
such unwarrantable conduct is disgraceful to the authors, an
imposition on that highly respectable institution and the world,
and ought to be discountenanced and exposed by every admirer
of th€ correctness of facts relating to ages past. The Society
has, (from misrepresentations made to them in regard to the
^ Newport Euins/ as it has of late been called,) been drawn into
an error in supposing that their Scandinavian forefathers visited
in the IDth century the island of Ehode Island. At the remote
period referred to, in the letter of Professor Eafn, they may
have visited Massachusetts, and reported it by its true Indian
name, and if they had visited this Island, it is reasonable to sup-
pose they would have called it by the name it was called by the
native inhabitants, which was Acquethneck. It was not called'
Ehode Island until 1644, as appears from the following extracts
from the Old Colony Eecords, ' at a General Court held at
Newport on the 15th day of the 1st month, 1644.'
'' 'It is ordered by this Court that ye island commonly called
Acquethneck, shall be from henceforth called ye Isle of Ehodes,
or Ehode Island.'
•^' There is no doubt that the Northmen discovered in the tenth
century, the eastern coast of this Continent, and visited that
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178 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND,
part called by the Indian inliabitantSjfMassacliusetts, but it is
doubtful if tbey visited at that period the Island of Acquethneck,
now Ehode Island. There does not appear from any history or
tradition from our ancestors, that there was any tradition among
the Indians of Acquethneck, ever having been visited by white
men before the settlement of the country by our British ances-
tors. When the first white inhabitants settled on the Elizabeth
Islands, there was a tradition among the Indians^ that the Vine-
yard had been visited many ages before by a colony of white
men, who came there in a vessel from the North, and remained
there for a season, and returned to the North in the winter, with
an intention of returning there again the next year, but never
came back, and were supposed to have been lost, and the same
tradition was rife among the Indians on the main, and remains
to this day. It is very probable that these were the Northmen
from the borders of the St. Lawrence, and that the Vineyard
Island was the extent of their progress westward along the
coast. From this circumstance, and from sinister motives, it
has been endeavored to be shown that the Northmen visited
this Island in the tenth or eleventh century, and called the
island ' Vinelant,' &c., and the Newport Euin has been endea-
vored to be palmed upon the world through the Eoyal Society
of Antiquarians at Copenhagen, as evidence of the fact of the
visit of the Northmen, and the work of their hands,* but
" Let Antiquarians say what they will,
It is nothing but an Old Stone Mill.
" One of the Oldest Inhabitants.'*
What better traditionary evidence than that of Gov. Arnold's
grandson, Josiah Arnold, who died long since the Eevolution-
ary war, and that of his great-grandson, Sanford Arnold, who
has been deceased but a few years, who both spoke of it as the
old Stone Mill, built by their ancestor Benedict Arnold, as has
been heretofore stated, but disregarded ? Why then dispute its
origin, and the use for which it was erected, except it be for
interested and unholy purposes ?
In 1784, the harbor with the rivers, were all closed with ice,
from Oastle Hill to Providence ; so that people crossed there
from the Island to the main.
* The author of this imposition, as well as the report attributed to Scrobien, is sup-
posed to be a foreigner J a few years since a resident of this town.
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THE DESCENDANTS OP ABRAHAM. 179
THE DESCENDANTS OF ABRAHAM.
1763. This year the Jewish Synagogue, in Newport, which
was erected the year before, was dedicated to the God of Abra-
ham, with great pomp and magnificence, according to the cus-
tom of the Hebrews, At this time the town of Newport con-
tained upwards of sixty families of Jews ; among them were
many iperchants of wealth and enterprise. Mr. Aaron Lopez-
was a man of eminent probity and benevolence, his bounties w^ere
widely diffused, and not confined to creed and sect, and the
people of Newport, notwithstanding the lapse of time, still con-
secrate his memory. Mr, Lopez was afterwards drowned in his
carriage in Scott's Pond, a few miles north of Providence.
Eev. Mr. Touro, married, in Newport, a sister of the late
Moses Hays, of Boston, and left two sons and one daughter,
Mr. Hays removed from Newport soon after the peace, taking
with him his family. One of the sons was the late Abraham
Touro, who died in Boston in 1822, leaving a large estate; by
bis will a fund of $10,000 was left for the support of the syna-
gogue and burial-place in Newport, and $5,000 for keeping
Touro-street in repair, on which they front. This fund is under
the direction of the Town Council of Newport, and the interest
is judiciously applied for the purposes above-mentioned.
The other son is Judah Touro, Esq., of New-Orleans, a gen-
tleman distinguished for his many acts of munificence. He went
to New-Orleans previous to the cession of Louisiana, where in
mercantile pursuits, he has acquired a princely estate, and is
universally esteemed by the inhabitants of the city of New-
Orleans. Such is the attachment of the Jews for Newport, and
the sepulchre of their fathers, that their remains are brought
here for interment.
A gentleman who settled in Newport, about twenty years
since, and erected a tasteful mansion in Bellevue-street, near
the Jewish buria^ground, in a conversation had with a per-
sonal friend of Mr. Judah Touro, suggested that it would be a
commendable act on the part of Mr. Touro, were he to enclose
the burial ground with a noble wall of granite, as the then
present brick wall was in a decayed state, having been slightly
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180 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
built. He gave an assurance that he would address him on
the subject, which he accordingly did ; and Mr. Touro, with a
liberahty which has uniformly distinguished him, authorized his
friend to apply to some eminent architect for a suitable plan.
The work was commenced, and completed in 1842, and a more
chaste and beautiful enclosure, with the ornamental gateway, is
not to be found in the countiy. The whole cost was |1 1,000.
The architect was Isaiah Eogers, Esq.^ of Boston.
A few years since, he gave $1000 to repair Eedwood Library.
His adopted city has experienced his noble benefactions, irre-
spective of denominational distinctions, in which be has set an
example worthy to be imitated by Gentiles. Such an indivi-
dual is a blessing to society, and throws into the shade many^
whose niggardly spirit renders them a burden to them&elves and
to the world at large.
Abraham Eod. Biviera, a highly respected Jew, was an
importer of dry goods, in connection with other business. In
early hfe Abraham was called " the honest man,'^ which title he
merited as long as he lived. He was extensively engaged in
commerce, and met with many losses ; and at that date there
were no Insurance Companies, consequently, the risks in navi"
gation were very great. Although a man of wealth, frequent
losses at sea, forced him to assign his property, which, when
divided, cancelled but a part of his habilities. As soon as the
failure was known in England, the merchants with whom he
had traded, offered him any amount of dry goods ; and, that he
might avail himself of their generous offer, took the benefit of
the Insolvent Act, clearing himself from old claims, and open^
ing a way to the renewal of bu&iness. He was prosperous, and
at the '.end of a few years, gave his old creditors a dinner party ,-
placing under the plate of each guest a check, for the amount
due him, with interest. He died worth $120,000. Such was-
the honesty of the past.
There is now in the Town- Clerk's office, the copy of a deed,,
(certified by WilHam Ooddington, Town- Clerk, Oct. I9th, 1677,)
in book ISTo. 3, page 11, of Land Evidences, of a certain lot of
land, thirty feet square, sold by Nathaniel Dickens, to Mordecai
Oampannall and Moses Packeckoe, for a burial-place for the'
Jews. This deed is dated Eebruary 28th, 1677, which shows-
that-some of the descendants of Abraham found an asylum of
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THE DESCENDANTS OF ABRAHAM. 181
rest, from oppression and persecutionj on this island of the sea,
at an early period of the settlement. It has been said that it
was as early as 1657.
How long prior to the purchase of the burial-ground, we
have no accurate means of ascertaining. The first Jews who
settled in Newport were of Dutch extraction, from Curraso, and
were not possessed of the wealth, intelligence, or enterprise,
which so eminently distinguished those who subsequently
settled in this town, which, with the smallness of their number,
accounts for the lapse of time from the first Jewish settlement
in Newport, to the erection of the synagogue.
It is not probable, however, that during all this time they
maintained no regular form of public w^orship, and there is a
tradition amongst the most ancient people of New^port, now liv-
ing, that from the earliest settlement here, pubhc rehgious
worship was regularly maintained in private houses.
Between the years 1750-60, many famihes of wealth and
distinction came to this country from Spain and Portugal, and
settled in Newport, which contributed largely to the intelli-
gence and commercial prosperity of the town.
The synagogue was thronged with worshippers, from its
erection until the war commenced, and the scriptures were
pubhcly read, and the God of Abraham worshipped in the
Hebrew language, in Newport, by more than three hundred of
the dispersed house of Israel, up to that time.
About 1763, and long after, flourished the distinguished
famihes of Lopez, Eiviera, Pollock, Levi, Hart, Seixas, and
their late respected priest, Isaac Touro. The north side of
what is now the Mall, was once covered with Jewish residences,
which were destroyed by fire. The Revolutionary war, so dis-
astrous to the commercial interest and prosperity of Newport,
induced the greater part of them to leave the town ; and after
the conclusion of the war, the remnant that was left gradually
declined, until not an individual now remains. Moses Lopez,
nephew of the celebrated Aaron Lopez, was the last resident
Jew in Newport. A few years previous to his death, he
removed to New -York ; his remains were brought to Newport,
and interred by the side of his brother J acob, in the burial-
place of their fathers. Moses Lopez was a man of no common
abilities ; he was an honorable merchant, deeply versed in
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182 HISTORY OF EHODE ISLAND.
mathematics, and of uncommon mechanical skill. He was
pleasant and interesting in conversation, and an ingenious
defender of his religious belief. The Society of Jews, gene»
rally, who settled in this town, have left a reputation for
integrity and uprightness, which should perpetuate their
memory from generation to generation.
After the long interval of sixty years, in which the synagogue
had been closed, in the year 1850 it was thrown open again^
and services were performed on Saturday (the Jewish sabbath,)
by an eminent Eabbi from New-York. It was an important
era, and calculated to revive in the mind the great and impor-
tant events, which had taken place in the history of this dis-
tinguished people.
Emery's Corner, at the south side of Bridge-street, was a
general resort in olden time for young men, residing in that
section of the town. Hence we meet with it very frequently in
the old records of the town, as we do that pf the Granary, or
Brick-market, where the inhabitants assembled, and still con-
tinue to assemble. "We like to retain antique names, as they
remind us of the past, and the inhabitants of Newport have
been more tenacious than most places, of innovation. But the
recent resort of strangers to Newport, has led to an attempt to
remove the ancient land-marks, which should not be counte-
nanced for a moment by the original inhabitants. It is the
remains of antiquity in Newport, which invests it with so much
interest, and makes the spot more deeply interesting to the
Antiquarian.
Hog Hole, before the'hand of modern vandalism despoiled it
of its pristine beauty, was the scene of many a joyous festival.
Purgatory, at Sachuest Beach, is invested with a high degree
of romance, from the traditionary account of two lovers, who
met at the brink of this dangerous chasm. The lady, to test
the strength of his affections towards her, as the condition of
the nuptial celebration, required that he should leap across it.
Dangerous as was the experiment, he; quickly sprung ; she
caught the skirt of his coat, which instantly rent, while he
landed safe on the opposite side to the terror and dismay of the
fair one. The Devil's foot-print is strongly impressed on the
rocks, near to this chasm, with other singular marks, which has
made it a place of interest to those visiting the island.
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THE REV. MARMADUKE BROWN. 183
It affords pleasure and delight to ramble amid those joyous
scenes, and listen to the serial choristers warbhng their orisons.
The inhabitants of this charming retreat, seem the only unde-
lighted enjoyers of the scene, because to them it exhibits no
novelty, consequently but httle allurement ; the eye of the
stranger alone beholds it with admiration and wonder, and the
heart of sensibility could alone feel the exquisite sensation of
delight its contemplation inspires. In the words of the poet,
we would say :
•' There's not a brook I have not leapt,
Anear my native town —
Nor field nor hill where man has stept,
I have not wandered down :
And these as freshly haunt me still,
And still their forms I know —
The brook, the field, the high peaked hill,
That charmed me long ago !"
In 1772, the first equestrian performances on Ehode Island,
and probably in America, took place in Newport. The name
of the manager was Bates.
Two of the guns of the sloop Tartar, were placed at the foot
of the Parade, where they remained until within a few years,
when they were removed, and placed in front of the fountain,
at the end of the Mall.
THE EEV. MAKMADUKE BROWN.
As Newport has been the birthplace of many distinguished
personages, as well as the residence of others who have
occupied important positions in society, we have been induced
to notice such parties, believing that it would prove highly
interesting to the reader.
In 1760, on the resignation of the Eev. Mr. Pollen, the Eev.
Marmaduke Brown, a native of Ireland, was unanimously
chosen to officiate as Minister of Trinity Church, Newport, and
was appointed a Missionary by the Home Society.
Mr. Brown continued his connection with Trinity Church
until his death, which took place on the 19th of March, 1771.
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184 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
He left an only son, who, in 1795, caused a marble tablet, with
a raised profile likeness of his father, to be erected on the
walls of Trinity Church, in memory of his parents. It bears
the following inscription :
To the Memory of
The Eev. M A E M A D U K E BEOWN,
Formerly Rector of this Parish,
A Man eminent for Talents, Learning, and Religion,
Who departed this Life on the 19th of March, 1771,
And of ANN, his "Wife,
A Lady of Uncommon Piety, and Suavity of Manners,
Who died the 6th of January, 1767.
This Monument was Erected by their Son,
AETHUE BEOWN, Esq.,
Now Senior Fellow of Trinity College,
Dublin, Ireland,
And Representative in Parliament for the same ;
In Token of his Gratitude and Affection
To the best and tenderest of Parents,
And his Respect and Love for a Congregation,
Among whom, and for a Place where,
He spent the Earliest and Happiest of His Days.
Heu ! Quanto minus est,
Cum allis Versari,
Quam tui Memisse.
M.D.CCXCV.
His above-mentioned son is the subject of the following notice :
Hon. Arthur Brown, LL. D.,was at an early age sent from
Newport to the care of a relative in Ireland, for education. He
was a man gifted with extraordinary mental powers, which he
improved by almost incessant study, and by an intercourse with
the most able scholars and pohticians of the day. He soon rose
to eminence — was Senior Fellow, and Senior Proctor of Trinity
College, a Doctor of Civil Laws, King's Professor of Greek, &c.,
&c. Por a length of time he held the Vicar-Generalship of the
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HON. ARBHUR BROWN, LL. D. 185
Diocese of Kildare, and also practised in the courts, as an emi-
nent, though not a leading barrister,
For many years no person in the University enjoyed greater
popularity. They gave him their best and most honorable gifts
— they appointed him their representative in the National Legis-
lature, and the Irish House of Commons for many years listened
with surprise and admiration, to his bold and powerful elo-
quence.
On questions of great national importance. Dr. Brown could
speak with surprising effect. With little subjects he seldom in-
terfered. If with the opposition it was his desire or chance to
associate — he supported all their leading measures — on the
Place and Pension bills. Catholic Emancipation, the Suspension
of the Habeas Corpus, &c., he brought all his talents into action.
He was a strong advocate of Parliamentary reform, an enemy
to the abuse of power, and always stood forward as the cham-
pion of the people.
On the great question of the Union of Great Britain and Ire-
land, he took part with the ministry, and his support and exam-
ple greatly contributed to that event.
Shortly after the Union, Dr. Brown was appointed Prime
Sergeant, and it is supposed, had he survived, he would have
obtained a situation on the bench.
Beside various political pamphlets, Dr. Brown was the
author of two volumes of miscellaneous essays and dissertations,
in which many questions of literature and criticism were ably
discussed. These volumes are now out of print, which is the
more to be regretted, as one of the essays was devoted to a pic-
ture of Colonial manners and habits, especially as exhibited by
the society of Newpnrt, Ehode Island.
In a note he referred to many of the famihes with whom he
was intimate — the Brentons, Malborns, Eedwoods, &c. His
great work, however, is that on the Civil Law, which has passed
through various editions, and is considered by the profession as
a standard.
This celebrated man died in Dublin, in the summer of 1805,
of a dropsical complaint, leaving a large property, which he
acquired from his situations in the College, and his exertions as
a lawyer.
The late Baron Kinsale, of Ireland, was also a native of
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186 HISTORY OF UHODE ISLAND.
Newport. The following notice of the Baron De Courcy, is
taken from the Neivport Mercury^ 1832 :
" On the 1st of February last, died at Kinsale, the Eight
Honorable Thomas De Oourcy, Lord Kinsale, Baron De Courcy,
and Eingrone. His lordship was Premier Baron of Ireland,
and enjoyed the hereditary privilege of wearing his hat in the
royal presence, granted to John De Oourcy, Earl of Ulster, by
King John, and lately exercised by Lord John De Oourcy, at a
court held in Dublin Oastle, by George IV., in 1821."
We transcribe this obituary notice from a London paper of
February 20th, 1832, because we of Ehode Island, feel a pecu-
liar interest with regard to this family, of which the present
branch sprung from the town of Newport, Ehode Island.
It was probably about the years 1720 and 1725, that the
younger, and we presume the only brother of the Baron of
Kinsale, for some reasons of discontent, emigrated to North
America, and selected Newport, Ehode Island, as the place of
his residence.
WiUiam Eogers, D. D., Professor of Enghsh Oratory in the
University of Pennsylvania, was born in Newport, Ehode Island,
July 22d, 1751. A graduate of Brown University in 1769.
He received his license to preach in 1771, and in May of the
following year was ordained pastor of the Baptist church, ^Phila-
delphia, where he continued till the commencement of the Eevo-
lution, in 1775, when he was appointed Ohaplain of the Pennsyl-
vanian forces, and not long after, of the Oontinental Army, and
remained in the service till 1781.
In 1789, he was elected Professor of English Oratory in the
College of Philadelphia, and afterwards was appointed to the
same office in the University of Pennsylvania, and held it till
1812, when he resigned. His death took place April 7th, 1824,
in the 74th year of his age.
He held a highly respectable rank in talents and learning, and
was greatly esteemed for his ability and faithfulness as a
preacher.
His daughter, a very estimable lady, is the wife of William
Henry De Wolf, Esq., of Bristol, Ehode Island.
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THE AUCHMUTY FAMILY, 187
THE AUCHMUTY FAMILY.
Robert Auchmuty was the first of the American family of
that name. He was the descendant of an ancient Scotch
family, holding a barony in the north of that country. His
father settled in England, early in the eighteenth century.
Eobert came to this country and settled in Boston ; he was con-
sidered a profound lawyer, and possessed remarkable talents,
shrewdness, and wit. Anecdotes of him have been handed down
from generation to generation, to this day. He was greatly
respected and beloved, both in pubHc and private life. His
memory is held in high veneration by the bar in Massachusetts,
and his opinions are still respected by the profession. He has
many descendants still left there. He was Judge of Admiralty
many years before his death.
Eev. Samuel Auchmuty, son of the elder Eobert, was born
in Boston, in4725, graduated at Harvard University in 1742,
and was taken by his father to England, w^here he was ordaiued
a minister of the Episcopal Church, and was appointed by the
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, an assistant minister
of Trinity Church, New- York. He married in 1749, a daughter
of Eobert Nichols, Governor of that Province in 1764. At the
death of the Eector, he was appointed to succeed him, and took
charge of all the churches in the city, performing his arduous
duties with faithfulness until the Eevolution.
The children of Eev. Dr. Auchmuty were, 1st, Mary JuHana,
born 1750, married General Mulcaster, of theEoyal Engineers,
and left two sons and two daughters : 2d, married, died young ;
3d, Isabella, born 1753, married a Mr. Burton, of Kent, in
England, and left no children ; 4th, Eobert Nichols, born in
1758, married Henrietta, daughter of Henry John Overing, of
Newport, his second cousin. He died at Newport, Ehode
Island, and was interred in Trinity churchyard, leaving eight
children, Samuel 0. Auchmuty, Harriet, who married Major
Heileman of the TJ. S. Army, a most accomplished gentleman
and superior officer, Maria, widow of Capt. Wainwright of the
Marine Corps, Eobert, Eichard of the XJ. S. Navy, Joanna,
Isabella, and John of the TJ. S. Navy.
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188 HISTORY OF UHODE ISLAND.
Samuel, afterwards Sir Samuel, born 1758, graduated at
Columbia College, served in England, under Sir Ealph Aber-
crombie, was a Brigadier- General, and K. C. B., in 1807, and
commanded the expedition against Montevideo, which he took.
He was promoted to be Lieutenant-Greneral, received the thanks
of Parliament and a service of plate. He was afterwards en-
trusted with a very important command in the Channel, at the
time of Napoleon's threatened invasion ; was the Covernor of
Madras, and commander of an expedition against the Island of
Java, which he took, in 1800. On returning to England, he
again received the thanks of Parliament, and a service of plate
from the East India Company. He retired for a while to his
estate in Kent, which he left on being appointed commander of
the forces in Ireland, where he died, August 11th, 1822.
The inscription on his tomb-stone is :
Sacred to the Memory of
THE EIGHT HON. SIR SAMUEL AUCHMUTY, a. 0. B.
Of His Majesty's Seventy-eiglit of Foot, who died on the 11th of August, aged sixty-
four, •while commanding his Majesty's forces in Ireland. He was a brave,
experienced, and successful officer, and victorious whenever he had
the command. He twice received the thanks of Parliament
for his services. The capture of Montevideo, in South
America, and the Island of Java, in the East
Indies, added both to his fame
and fortune.
THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED BY HIS RELATIVES, AS A TRIBUTE TO HIS
PRIVATE AS WELL AS HIS PUBLIC WORTH.
He left in his will a princely fortune to the children of his
brother, Eobert Nichols Auchmuty, of Newport, Ehode Island.
We have dwelt thus long on the history of this family, from
the fact of their intimate connection with Newport. Of the two
surviving children of Eobert N. Auchmuty, Esq., Maria and
Joanna, it is no flattery to speak of them in the highest terms,
as illustrating the female attractions of the past. Maria was
tall, and of exquisite proportions, her complexion beautifully
transparent, the roseate bloom of health diffused its beauties on
her cheek, and the benignant softness that beamed from her blue
eye, gave her the appearance of a celestial divinity. Col. George
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THE MmTtJRN r-AlvIILY. 189
Gibbs e:xpressed his admiration of her charms, on witnessing
her appearance at the ball-room in Newport, with the splendid
head-dress on, the gift of Sir Samuel, K. 0. B. Her sister
Joanna, was equally as graceful and captivating in form and man-
ners. Her complexion clear, her teeth beautifully white and
regular, a sweet expression played around her coral lips, her eyes
were expressive, her voice exquisitely melodious, and her genius
lively and expanded. In the science of music she took dehght,
and touched the harpsicord to perfection. In the dance she was
the sprightly serial of the scene, when her inimitable attitude and
grace captivated every beholder.
Those who recollect Monsieur Oarpentier^s dancing-room,
which was graced with the elite and fashion of Newport, will be
ready torpspondtolhe descriptionhere given of this lovely person.
And now that the season of youth and gayety has passed away,
her mind has been profitably and usefully employed in the cul-
tivation of the morals of the nieces and nephews of her wudowed
sister. From a gentleman of the first rank in the United States
Army, we have received the most flattering account of her
amiable qualities, which we could justly appreciate, from a long
acquaintance with her and her family.
"When heaven's harbinger shall claim his prize,
And waft her purest soul to purer skies,
Then shall recording angels trace her fame,
And pity weep when memory breathes her name.'
THE MINTURN FAMILY.
The ancestor of the Minturn family in this country, was a
native of England, and was one of the early settlers of Narra-
gansett. Jonas Minturn married Penelope Brown, of South
Kingston, and died on his own farm in Narragansett. He left
three children, Wilham, Hannah, and John, the latter of whom
died at an early age. Hannah remained unmiarried, and died at
an advanced age, in Newport. Wilham early exhibited that
energy and decision of character, which was so conspicuous dur^
ing his hfe. Being of an enterprising disposition, and wishing
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190 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND.
to see more of the world than his circumstances permitted, he
made several voyages from Newport, in a ship of which he soon
became mate ; during one of these voyages to a port in Eng-
land, the vessel in which he sailed had the misfortune to be cap-
tured and taken into Erance, England being at that time at war
with that country.
The voyage was thus in danger of being broken up, threaten-
ing great loss to those who were concerned in its success. The
Erench commander offered to accept a ransom for the vessel,
which though ardently desired by the American captain, was
deemed by him to be entirely out of his power to accomplish at
this juncture. Mr. Minturn, seeing how vitally important was
the measure, presented himself before the master of the ship :
" Captain," said he, ^' land me on the coast of England — I will
go to London ; I am certain that I can effect this desirable re-
sult to a commercial house in that city." It was done ; dressed
as he was, in his sailor's clothes, he proceeded on foot to London,
found out the firm he was in search of, and by his intelHgence
and perseverance, was able to convince them of the importance
and feasibility of the object. He then re-crossed the channel,
paid the ransom money, and arrived safely with the vessel at
Newport.
In testimony of the high opinion which the owners of the ship
entertained towards him, by this signal service, he was imme-
diately made captain of the same vessel ; and so fortunate was
he, that he was soon able to become himself a shipowner, and to
establish himself at Newport, where, becoming a successful mer-
chant, he was greatly distinguished for benevolence and public
spirit. Mr. Minturn removed from Newport to Hudson, in
1788, but finding, however, the branch of mercantile business
in which he was more especially engaged, that of commerce and
navigation, could be prosecuted with more success at a point
less remote from the sea, he concluded upon a change of loca-
tion, and finally fixed upon the city of New-York, as possessing
those superior commercial advantages which have since been
accredited to it by the world. Hither he removed in 1791, con-
tinuing his successful career, and realizing all the advantages
which he had anticipated from this new abode. Having amassed
a large estate for the times in which he lived, he retired from
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THE MINTURN FAMILY. 191
the active duties of commercial life, enjoying the respect, the
esteem, and affection of his fellow-citizens.
In 1799, Mr. Minturn's health so rapidly declined, that he
ardently longed to breathe once more his native air ; confidently
believing that it would bring with it healing on its wings. He
was also anxious to consult with Dr. Center, of Newport, the
physician of his early hfe. In this desire he was warmly en-
couraged by his friend and former partner in business, George
Gibbs, Esq., who kindly procured a commodious house for his
reception ; but his cherished hopes, and those of his attached
family, were destined to be soon destroyed. His disease in-
creased in severity, and he died in August of that year, univer-
sally lamented. Justice, firmness, and charity, were the distin-
guishing traits of his character.
William Minturn married Penelope, daughter of Benjamin
Greene ; she was a near relative of Major Nathaniel Greene,
of the Eevolution, with w^hom she spent a considerable part of
her early life, at Patawamut. After her husband's decease,
Mrs. Minturn returned to New- York, where she resided till her
death, in 1821 ; dying in that humility and faith which her
Christian life had so pre-eminently exemplified.
William Minturn left ten children ; 1st, Penelope, married to
John T. Champlain ; 2d, Benjamin Greene, married to Mary,
daughter of Eobert Bowne ; 3d, Hannah, who died in 1817;
4th, William, also married to a daughter of Eobert Bowne ;
5th, Jonas, married to Esther, daughter of William T. Eobin-
son ; 6th, Mary, married to Henry Post ; 7th, Deborah, msrried
to Eobert Abbot, jun. ; 8th, Nathaniel G., married to Lydia,
daughter of Samuel Coates, of Philadelphia ; 9th, Niobe, who
resides in New- York ; and 10th, John, who in 1817, removed to
New-Orleans — he married Lydia, daughter of James Clements,
of Philadelphia. The descendants of William Minturn have num-
bered one hundred and forty-six persons. Some of his descend-
ants are now extensive merchants in New- York.
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19S HISTORY OP EHODE ISLAND.
SIR CHARLES WAGER,
" Newport, 2 Mo. 1, 1853.
" The following is an extract from a letter I received from
Rowland T. Eobinson, dated Ferrisburgh, Vermont, 1 Mo. 22d,
1848, and, I presume, will convey the information you request
" Your friend,
" T. R. Hazard.
" To Edward Peterson.
^' ' I have obtained the followmg genealogical information
from my father, whose recollections are clear on the matter;
and I also find they are confirmed by " "W. Updike's History,"
page 249.
<i c WilHam Hazard, the father of Lydia Hazard, who married
John Field, was the son of Caleb Hazard. William had two
brothers, Dr. Robert, and Caleb.
" ^ Caleb Hazard, the father of WilHam, married Abigail
Gardiner, daughter of William G-ardiner ; she was the sister
of Dr. Sylvester Gardiner, of Boston.
" ' After Caleb Hazard's death, his widow, Abigail, married
Wm. Robinson, called Governor Robinson, who was my great-
grandfather. They had six sons and two daughters, Chris-
topher, Wilham, Thomas (my grandfather), Sylvester, James,
and John. The daughters were Mary, who married a Dockray,
and Abigail.
" ' Phoebe Hull, who married William Hazard, was daughter
of Captain Hull, who brought up Admiral Wager, of the British
navy ; Charles Wager was taken by Capt. 'John Hull, when a
poor boy, from Newport, and trained to the sea. In conse-
quence of an advertisement which appeared in the pubhc papers,
Capt. Hull took Wager to England, and assisted him in obtain-
ing a large estate, and he became an Admiral.
^' ' I have often heard my father relate the following anec-
dote, which may be somewhat amusing to thy New-York cor-
respondent Capt. Hull was a plain Friend, and in the pursuit
of his calhng, he was at one time in some part of the West
Indies, and learning that his ward, now Admiral Wager, was
lying in the same port, he took his long boat, and went on board
the Admiral's ship. He enquired for the Admiral, stating he
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SIR CHARLES WAGER. 193
wished to see him. His appearance being rough, he was met
by a sprig of the navy, and denied admittance ; but watching
his opportunity, he stepped into the cabin, knowing he would
be safe when once recognized, which proved to be the case.
He was received with great kindness by the Admiral, greatly
to the confusion of the officer who had denied him an audience.
An intimacy! was long afterwards maintained, and the Admiral
used to make an annual demonstration of his remembrance of
his old master, by sending him a quarter-cask of wine.' "
^' New- York, March 2, 1853.
^' Dear Sir,
" Hearing you were about publishing a history of Newport,
and the events of the past, so highly important and interesting,
connected with its early settlement, 1 beg leave to hand you an
anecdote or two of the celebrated Admiral, Sir Charles Wager,
who was bound apprentice to a Quaker sea captain, of the
name of John Hull, of Newport. It was of Capt." Hull that
Sir Charles first learned his skill as a captain, and by whom he
was brought up in the straight ways of industry, perseverance,
and honesty, which appear to have distinguished him through
life.
^^ ' Your sincere friend and servant,
'^ Oliver Hull,
" Mr. Peterson.
" It is perhaps not generally known, even by the reading
puMic, that the celebrated Admiral Wager, of the British navy,
when a boy, was iDound apprentice to a Quaker, of the name
of John Hull, who sailed a vessel between Newport, (Ehode
Island,) and London ; and in whose service he probably learned
the rudiments of that nautical skill, as well as that upright
honor and integrity, for which he is so much lauded by his
biographer. The circumstance of running his master's vessel
over a privateer, first recommended him to an advantageous
place in the British navy. The facts of this encounter, as near
as I can gather them, are these : the privateer was a small
schooner, full of men, and was about boarding the ship of
Oapt. Hull, whose rehgious scruples prevented him from taking
any measures of a hostile nature. After much persuasion from
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194 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
young "Wager, the peaceable captain retired to his cabin, and
gave the command of his ship to his apprentice. His anxiety,
however, induced him to look out from the companion way,
and occasionally give directions to the boy, who, he perceived,
designed to run over the privateer, saying to him, ' Charles,
if thee intends to run over that schooner, thou must put the
helm a little more to the starboard.' The ship passed directly
over the schooner, w'hich instantly sunk, with every soul on
board.
" On one occasion, when the Admiral was in Newport, Capt.
Hull called at the coffee-house to see his former apprentice,
and seeing a Lieutenant there, asked him, ' Where is Charles ?'
at which the Lieutenant took umbrage, and threatened to chas-
tise the old Quaker for his insolence, in not speaking more
respectfully of his Admiral. When Wager heard of it, he
took occasion to reprove the Lieutenant before Capt. Hull,
saying, * Mr. Hull, sir, is my honored master.'
" The certificate of marriage of John Hull, which is of parch-
ment, among the witnesses, bears the signature of the mother
of Admiral Wager, thus, ' Prudence Wager.'
" John Hull died at Conanicut, on the 1st day of December,
1732, aged seventy-eight years.
" The following inscription is on the monument, erected to
the memory of Admiral Wager, in Westminster Abbey, Lon-
don, England :
" ' To the Memory of
Sir CHAELES WAGIEE, Knt.,
Admiral of the White,
rirst Commissioner of the Admiralty, and
A Privy Councillor;
A man of great natural talents, improved by Industry,
and long Experience ;
Who bore the highest commands, and passed through the greatest Employments,
With Credit to himself, and Honor to his Country.
He was in his Private Life, Humane, Temperate, Just, and Bountiful ;
In Public Station, Prudent, Wise, and Honest ;
Easy of access to all ; steady and resolute in his conduct ;
So remarkably happy in his presence of mind, that no danger
Ever discomposed him.
Esteemed and favored by his King, Beloved and honored by his Country,
He died the Twenty -fourth of May, 1743
Aged 79 years.
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EVENTS OF THE REVOLUTION, 195
EVENTS OF THE REVOLUTION,
We have been pleasantly employed in presenting to the
mind of the reader, the growih and prosperity of Newport,
with the highly cultivated state of manners, which characterized
her early history. And it would afford unspeakable gratifica-
tion, could we continue the prosecution of a theme, so deeply
interesting to the human mind ; but every thing earthly is
mutable, and subject to change. The prosperous to-day, may
be in adversity to-morrow ; so with States and Empires,— but
the events so painful in themselves, are not without their uses,
for out of the discordant materials good will ultimately arise.
No town in the British Colonies flourished to the degree of
Newport, and while her canvass whitened every sea, and the
products of every clime came freighted to her shores, it did not
render her supremely selfish, -as is too apt to be the case, but
her influence was directed to the cultivation of the arts and
sciences, w^hich rendered her highly distinguished. The society
of Newport was polished and refined; this was owing in a-
great degree to the intimate relationship which subsisted
between them and the mother country. The ofiftcers under the
Crown were educated gentlemen, and this exerted a powerful
influence on the minds of the inhabitants, and but for the
Revolution, no one could possibly have predicted the extent of
prosperity to which Newport would have arrived. But the
oppression of the British Parliament towards her Colonies
became insupportable, until forbearance ceased to be a virtue.
Every remonstrance on the part of the Colonists, only tended
the more highly to exasperate G-reat Britain towards them.
Now it was never the intention of the Colonies to sunder the
ties which so closely linked them to the mother country, but
simply to obtain a redress of grievances. They had stood by
England in storm as well as sunshine. When she had been
engaged in conflict with other nations, the Colonies had fur-
nished their quota of m.en and money to overcomAe her enemies.
This loyalty on the part of the Colonies, could never have
been alienated, but for the continual aggressions on the part of
the Crown, disregarding the most solemn appeals, and setting
at defiance every remonstrance made of the injustice of their
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196 HlSTOPwY OF EHODE ISLAND.
policy towards the Colonies. They were aware of their great
inferiority, to attempt to cope with so gigantic a power as that
of Great Britain, celebrated for her military and naval prowess,
with her immense resources \ hence any measure which wisdom
and prudence could dictate to effect a reconciliation was
resorted to, but without effect. Great Britain was determined
to overawe her Colonies, to submit to her arbitraiy and despotic
measures. But the principle of liberty was lodged deep in the
hearts of the Colonists, and they could not tamely acquiesce in
British misrule and oppression.
The first act of the British Parliament to tax the ColonieSj,
passed that body in Beptembery 1764 ; the avowed object of
which was to raise a revenue for the better protection of his
Majesty's Colonies in New England^ by a duty paid the British
Crown, on certain articles of commerce sold in the Colonies.
This was to test the fidelity of their subjects, and to open the
way for bolder developments. Accordingly, by the next springs
the famous^ or rather iN-famous Stamp Act, passed both House&
of Parhament.
This Act reGjuired that all deeds, notes, bonds, &c., in the
Colonies, should be null and void, unless executed on stamp
paper^ for which a duty must be paid the Crown. The former
Act the Colonies could not approve, because it was arbitrary
and unjust,, levying a tax without their consent, not being repre-
sented in that body. But such was their attachment to the
honor of their fathers, that they acquiesced in the measure,,
however oppressive and unjust.
On the subject of the right of the British Parliament to tax
the Colonies, it was asserted, in the Mother Country, '^ to be
essential to the unity, and of course prosperity^ of the Empire^
that the British Parliament should have right of taxation over
every part of the Eoyal dominions."" In the Colonies it was
contended, ^' that taxation and representatioti were inseparable^
and that they could not be safe, if their property might be
taken from them without their consent.'^ This claim of the
right of taxation on the one side, and the denial of it on the
other, was the very hinge on which the Pevolution turned.
Mr. Pitt, the invariable friend of the Colonies, delivered his
famous speech on American Liberty, in which he declared it tc
be his opinion,, that the kingdom has no right tO' tax the
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EVENTS PRIOR TO THE REVOLUTION. 197
Colonies ; that he rejoiced that they had resisted, and he hoped
that they would resist to the last drop of their blood."
These sentiments proved Mr. Pitt to have been a man of
principle, and the sworn enemy to oppression.
When this bill was brought in, the Ministers, and particu-
larly Charles Townshild, exclaimed :
" These Americans, our own children, planted by our care,
nourished by our indulgence, &c., will they now turn their backs
upon us, and grudge to contribute their mite to reheve ub from
the heavy load which overwhelms us ?"
Ool. Barre caught the words, and with a vehemency becom-
ing a soldier, rose and said :
" Planted by your care ! No ! Your oppression planted
them in America 1 They fled from your tyranny into a then
uncultivated land, where they were exposed to almost all the
hardships to which human nature is hable ; and among others,
to the savage cruelty of the enemy of the country — a people
the most subtle, and I take upon me to say, the most truly ter-
rible of any people that ever inhabited any part of God's earth.
And yet, actuated by principles of true English liberty, they
met all these hardships with pleasure, compared with those they
suffered in their own country, from the hands of those that
should have been their friends.''
The night after this Act passed, Dr. Franklin, who was then
in London, wrote to Charles Thompson, afterwards Secretary
of the Continental Congress : ''The sun of liberty is set ; the
Americans must light the lamps of industry and economy." To
which Mn Thompson answered : " Be assured, ive shall light
torches^ quite of another sort^ Thus predicting the convulsions
which were about to follow.
On the arrival of the news of the Stamp Act, in America, a
general indignation spread through the country, and resolutions
were passed against the Act, by most of the Colonial Assem-
Hies.
It will not be necessary, in a history hke this, to go into a
recapitulation of all the preUminary steps which occurred, before
actual hostilities commenced ; but merely to show that a cause
existed, of vital importance to the interest of the Colonies, why
they should oppose British aggressions. They could not con-
scientiously succumb to the unjust laws, attempted to be exer-
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198 HISTORY OF KHODE ISLAND.
cised over tbem by a foreign power, without fearlessly showing
a spirit of resistance toward such high-handed measures. The
spirit of liberty which burnt brightly on the altar of the hearty,
could not tamely brook such outrages, without showing that in-
dependence of character which had invariably characterized
their history.
No people had greater cause to fear a rupture between the
Colonies and Great Britain^ than those of Newport. Her com-
mercial prosperity was identified with her union with the mother
country. Her exposed situation was fraught with imminent
peril, and without the means of defence, she must be rendered
desolate ; but no selfish consideration could for a moment deter
her from embarking in the glorious struggle for liberty and in-
dependence. They never flinched, as we shall have occasion to
notice as w^e proceed to show the events of the American Revo-
lution. Some have been heard to say^ that the causes which
brought about the struggle^ were not of sufficient magnitude to
have involved the nation in all the horrors of war. But such
reasoning is highly preposterous and absurd. Had the Colonies
tamely submitted to the first attempt of aggression, it would
have been followed up^ and like Eehoboam, they would have
" put men to the yoke," and attempted to chastise us with
*' scorpions." Had no resistance been m-ade to British misrule^
the condition of this Western Continent would have been equally
as distressing as that of England^ where the many would have
been the slaves of the few ; and those who opposed the action
of the Colonies, and cast in their influence on the side of tyranny^
were unworthy of the name of freemen, and their names have-
been justly handed down as traitors to their country^ and the
stigma of reproach has rested upon them.
Associations were formed, and resolutions were passed, into
the spirit of which, the female sex entered with patriotic ardor,
not to import or use goods imported from Great Britain^ until
this obnoxious and oppressive Act be repealed. So universal
and determined were the Colonies in their opposition to this
Act, that Parhament had no alternative but to repeal it. ThiSj.
however, was followed by another infamous Act, which struck
at the last hope of freedom, and assumed the right and power^
*4n all cases whatsoever, to bind the Colonies." Accordingly,,
a new tax was laid on glass, paper^ tea, &c.^ &g. This^ in addi-
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EVENTS PRIOR TO THE REVOLUTION. 199
tion with other acts equally arbitrary and oppressive, kindled up
anew the spirit of opposition to the British ministry, which had
in some degree subsided on the repeal of the Stamp Act.
On the meeting of Parhament in February, 1769, both Houses
of that body, in an address to the King, recommended that the
Eoyal Governor of Massachusetts, be directed to notice all such
as manifested a spirit of disloyalty to His Majesty's edicts, that
they might be sent to England and tried as traitors.
Such intolerance and oppression could not any longer be en-
dured, it would have evinced a weak and pusilaniraous spirit,
unbecoming freemen, and they came forward in their majesty,
and on the altar of liberty pledged their Hves, their fortunes,
and sacred honor, in defence of the Colonies.
The first overt act in the great drama which separated the
Colonies from Great Britain, and which finally resulted in the
American Independence, although claimed by, and awarded to
others, was made at Newport, in 1769, in the destruction of his
Britannic Majesty's armed sloop. Liberty. And when it is con-
sidered that the principle of liberty had been more generally
difi*used among the inhabitants of the Island, it should be no
surprise that they were the first to strike the blow^ in the cause
of freedom. And however unwilling other sections of the coun-
try may be to award to them the praise, we shall claim it as an
act of justice of which they are deserving.
The sloop was fitted out by the King's officers at Boston, to
enforce the revenue laws on the inhabitants of this Colony ; and
were directed to examine and detain all vessels suspected of
evading or violating these laws. Two vessels, a sloop and a
brig, belonging to Connecticut, had been seized and brought into
Newport. A few days subsequently, the captain of the brig
went on board his vessel, when on inquiring for his wearing
apparel, he was informed they had been removed on board of
His Majesty's sloop Liberty. Missing also his sword, he made
inquiry for that, when he was told that a man belonging to the
Liberty was lying on it in the cabin. As he descended the
cabin, he was met with a volley of savage and cowardly
oaths. He seized his sword, which the men of the Liberty en-
deavored in vain to wrest from his hands, sprang into his boat
with two of his men, and made for the shore ; on which the offi-
cer of the Liberty ordered his men to fire on the captain of the
brig, and a musket and brace of pistols were fired at the boat.
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200 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND,
This unprovoked attack upon the life of Captain Packwood.,
so enraged the populace of Newport, that the following evening
a large number of citizens met Captain Eeid, of the sloop
Liberty, on the Long "Wharf, and demanded that the man
should be sent on shore, who fired on Captain Packwood. Ac-
cordingly^ a man was sent for, but they asserted he was not the
man, and another, and another, until all the men on board, ex-
cept the mate, were on shore. A number then went on board
the Liberty and cut away her cables, when she drifted over to
a wharf on the Point,vwhere she grounded.
Here they cut away her mast, and threw overboard all her
armament and stores of war, scuttled her, and left her to the
mercy of the elements. Her boats were dragged by the insulted
and enthusiastic multitude, up the Long Wharf, thence up the
Parade, through Broad-street, at the head of which, on the Com-
mon, they were burned.
Tradition says, that owing to the keel of the boats being shod
with iron, such was the velocity of their locomotion, as they
passed up the Parade, that a stream of fire was left in the rear
of several feet in length.
The fate of His Majesty's sloop Liberty, may be learned
from the Newport Mercury^ July 31st, of that year :
" Last Saturday the sloop Liberty was floated by a high
tide, and drifted over to G-oat Island, and is grounded at the
north end, near the place where the pirates were buried. What
this prognosticates we leave to the determination of astrologers."
August 7th, the same paper observes :
" Last Monday evening, just after the storm of rain, hail, and
lightning, the sloop Liberty, which we mentioned in our last as
having drifted to G-oat Island, was discovered to be on fire, and
continued burning several days, until almost entirely consumed."
This was the first motion given to the Eevolutionary ball,
which continued to roll until independence was acquired by
the Colonies. The Gasper was destroyed three years after, and
the people of Boston destroyed the cargo of tea, in 1773. These
popular resistances to British oppression was taking the hull by
the horns, and showed plainly what would be the final result in
the great struggle.
In consequence of the associations and resolutions of the Colo-
nies to suspend the importation and use of tea, a vast quantity of
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EVENTS PraOR TO THE REVOLUTION. 201
nearly twenty mplion pounds, accumulated on the hands of the
East India Company, when Parliament granted them permis
si on to export the same to any part of the world, free from duty.
Confident that under these circumstances, they should find a
ready market in America, they shipped large quantities to the
Colonies. But it w^as too late. The resolutions of the Ameri-
cans were fixed, and the market for tea w' as closed. That des-
tined for Boston was consigned to the friends and relatives of
the Eoyal Governor ; but the populace was so enraged, that in-
stead of its being landed on the wharf, it was thrown into the
sea as an oblation to " the watery god."
On the first inteUigence of this in England, the Boston Port
Bill was passed by the British Parhament, by which its com-
merce was entirely destroyed, and many of its inhabitants re-
duced to the greatest distress. Expressions of sympathy, and
resolutions of united resistance to these arbitrary and unjust
nieasures of the British throne, were forwarded from every part
of the country, to the suffering inhabitants of Boston.
The people of Newport, in Town Meeting, Jan. 12, 1774,
passed the following resolutions :
'' Whereas^ The East India Company, notwithstanding the
resolutions of the Colonies not to import tea while it remains
subject to a duty in America, have attempted to force large
quantities thereof, into some of our sister Colonies, without their
consent, in order to be sold in this country ; and Whereas, they
may attempt to introduce it into this Colony, we, the inhabi-
tants of Newport, legally convened in Town Meeting, do firmly
resolve :
'• I. That the disposal of their own property is the inherent
right of freemen ; that there can be no property in that which
another can, of right, take from them without their consent ;
that the claim of Parhament to tax America, is a claim of right
to levy contributions upon us at their pleasure.
" 2. That the duty imposed by Parhament on tea, is taxing
the Americans*, or levying contributions on them, without their
consent.
"' 3. That a virtuous and inflexible opposition to the minis-
terial plan of governing America, is absolutely necessary, to
preserve even the shadow of liberty, — and is a duty which every
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202 HISTORY OF KHODE ISLAND.
freeman in America owes to his country, to himself, and to his
posterity.
'' 4. That the resolution lately entered into by the East-India
Company, to send out their tea to America, subject to the pay-
ment of a duty on being landed here, is an open attempt to
force the ministerial plan, and a violent attack upon the liberties
of the Americans.
^'5. That it is the duty of every American to oppose this
attempt. That whoever shall, directly or indirectly, counte-
nance this attempt, or in any wise aid or abet in unloading,
receiving, or vending the tea sent out by the East-India Com-
pany, or by any other person, while it remains subject to the
payment of a duty in America, is an enemy to his country."
At a subsequent Town Meeting, they passed the following
expression of sympathy, for the suffering inhabitants of Boston :
'^ Eesolved, — That we have the deepest sense of the injuries
done the town of Boston, by the Act of Parliament latel}^
passed, for putting an end to their trade, and destroying their
port : And that we consider this attack upon them, as utterly
subversive of American liberty ; for the same powxr may, at
pleasure, destroy the trade, and shut up the ports of every other
Colony, so that there will be a total end of all prosperity.
'' Eesolved, — That we will heartily unite with the other
Colonies, in all reasonable and proper measures to procure the
establishment of the rights of the Colonies ; and particularly in
case the other Colonies shall, upon this most alarming occa-
sion, put a stop to their trade with Great Britain and the West
Indies, we will heartily join with them in the measure."
An exciting and animated paper was circulated in Newport,
with this motto, '' Join or Die." The state of Boston w^as
represented as a regular siegCj and this was a direct and hostile
invasion of all the Colonies. '' The Generals of despotism," it
says, " are now drawing the lines of circumvallation around
our bulwarks of liberty, and nothing but unity, resolution, and
perseverance, can save ourselves and posterity, from what is
worse than death, slavery."
In 1769, the manifestation of liberty in Newport, exceeded
that of many places, which laid claim to great patriotism.
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ADMIRAL WALLACE IN NEWPORT. 20B
The country were resolved, with the Virginia orator, on
" liberty or death." The boldness of Patrick Henry, and the
great influence which he exerted, caused him to be presented
to the British Grovernment in a bill of attainder. His narae^
with that of Thomas Jefferson, Peyton Eandolph, John Adams,
Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and several others, were on
the black list, and had the Colonies not succeeded, they would
undoubtedly have been hung on the gibbet, as the most promi-
nent rebels.
At this day we find a class of apologists for G-reat BritaiUy
who contend, that her feelings towards America is purely
pacific, and disposed to rejoice at our prosperity. Such falla-
cious reasoning will never be countenanced by the patriot who
has learnt experience by the past. The mind has evidently
deteriorated under the light and culture of science ; it has lost
its elasticity and force, by being cradled in the lap of ease,
secure from the rude storms which spent its fury against the
veterans of the Eevolution, whose towering heads received the
shock undismayed. They were men of iron frame, and giant
intellect, and not to be diverted from their purpose by threats
or flattery.
The harbor of Newport was occupied by his Majesty's ships^
for several years previous to actual hostilities, for the purpose
of enforcing the revenue laws, and sustaining the authority of
the King over his rebelUous subjects. But after the destruc-
tion of the sloop Liberty, in the harbor of Newport, and as the
the hostility of the Colonies to the acts of the British ministry,
began manfully to develope itself, their number was increased
until a whole squadron of ships of war, under the command of
Admiral "Wallace, were stationed in the bay, to watch over his
Majesty's subjects in Ehode Island. This Admiral, (Wallace,)
was a most miserable poltroon, and incurred the hatred of the
people of the island, for his mean ajid despicable acts.
On the 19th of April, 1775, the dark elements of strife, which
had been so long gathering, portentous of the storm of blood
and carnage, burst upon the Colonies in the battle of Lexing-
ton, where eight Americans were shot by the wanton cruelty
of the British commander. Major Pitcairn, without the least
provocation. This fired the Americans with indignation, and
the battle of Bunker Hill, and the surrender of Ticonderoga to
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204 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
the American arms, under the command of Col. Ethan Allen,
followed each other in quick succession.
Ticonderoga, on Lake Ghamplain, was the key to the northern
entrance into Canada, and was under the command of La Place,
an old friend of Allen's. Colonel Ethan Allen, with only
eighty-three men, approached the fortress in the grey of the
morning, being conducted by a boy whom he met in the neigh-
borhood, to the door of La Place's bed-chamber, who, at the
moment, appeared half dressed, and demanded the cause of the
tumult. The rough and well-known voice of Col. Allen bade
him surrender the fort, '' By what authority do you make
the demand ?" asked La Place. " By the Great Jehovah, and
the Continental Congress," thundered Allen. The commander
found it useless to parley, and at once surrendered.
They secured one hundred and twenty brass cannon, twenty-
four pounders, several howitzers, balls, bombs, and ammunition.
A party was immediately sent to sieze Crown-Point, which was
easily effected, and more than a hundred pieces of artillery
were secured.
Such were the master spirits which achieved our glorious
Independence.
" Long years have pass'd away, and all dismantled and alone,
Thou standest there, thy blacken'd walls with weeds and grass o'ergrown;
Amid thy trenched bound, which once the clang of war could wake,
Is heard no sound, save insects' hum, or bugle's from the lake,"
A REGIMENT RAISED.
In May, of this year, a regiment was raised in the county of
Newport, commanded by Col. Church, of Little Compton.
Newport raised three companies of sixty men each, commanded
by John Topham, "Wilham Tew, and Ebenezer Elagg. One
company was raised in Portsmouth, commanded by Jonathan
Browning. This regiment marched to Boston, and joined the
American army at that place, during this and the following
month, when this island was guarded by the militia and minute-
men.
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THE MINUTE^MEK. 205
Sept.— Admiral Wallace^ who commanded the British fleet
in the harbor at this time, exciting the suspicions of the inhabi-
tants, that he intended to remove from the south part of the
Island (called the Neck) a quantity of stock, several persons
during the night went down, and brought off about fifty head
of cattle, and one thousand sheep. A few days after this, Wal-
lace removed some stock from the two lower farms on the
Island, where it was supposed they had been collected for sup-
plying his Majesty's troops at Boston. But the arrival of three
hundred minute-men, who marched to the place and drove off
the remaining cattle, prevented any more from being removed
by the enemy. But this so enraged the British hon, that he
threatened destruction to everything around him, both by sea
and land. Pie laid the town under contribution to supply the
fleet with provisions, and urged his rigorous demands by cut-
ting off all supplies of fuel and provisions from the main, and
by continued threats of cannonading the town. The menacing
attitude of Wallace against the place, threw the inhabitants
into the greatest agitation and distress, and about one-half of
the inhabitants left the town, and many the Island. It is stated
that '' Wallace would place lanterns in the shrouds of the ship-
ping, as the signal for firing on the town," which so alarmed and
terrified the female portion of the inhabitants, that many died
through fright. It cannot well be conceived, at this late period,
the sufferings which were endured by the inhabitants of New-
port. And it has been said that many who sought shelter on
the main did not improve their condition, owing to the want of
the friend m thej^focket. Nearly all the principal merchants left,
with their families and effects.
A treaty was finally concluded between Wallace and the
town of Newport, by consent of the State government, . and
concurrence of the Continental Congress, then in session; who
unanimously recommended that, in the present exigency, New-
port should supply the fleet with beer and fresh provisions, as
usual, and also the removal of the troops from the town. Such
being the condition of the treaty, Wallace agreed to remove his
restrictions.
Many were of the opinion that Wallace dared not burn the
town, and that his only object was to awe the inhabitants into
a compliance with his demands. But there was no other alter-
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206 HISTOUY OF KHODE ISLAND.
native in tlie tiaen present position of affairs, but to acquiesce in
his requirements. On the 7th of October, he sailed up the
river to Bristol, where he demanded three hundred sheep in
sacrifice to his sacred Majesty, King George III. But the in-
habitants of that tow^n, not being satisfied of the divine right
of his Majesty to make the demand, refused the sacrifice.
That evening, about eight o'clock, Wallace commenced a heavy
cannonading of the town, and Governor Bradford's house, with
seventeen others, was burnt ; also the Episcopal church, and
Congregational meeting-house. The inhabitants were plun-
dered of everything valuable they could lay their hands on.
^^ The females, even, had their clothes taken, all that were deem-
ed of sufficient value to carry away, and their rings forced from
their fingers."
Nothing could surpass the consternation of Bristol, when
surprised by the entrance of the British, "Whether they did
not expect their return at all, or whether they expected them to
reembark at Papoose Squaw Neck, is not known ; but they
seemed to be taken by surprise, and women and children were
flying in every direction. Erom Bristol, they proceeded to
Warren, burning a windmill on their way, and plundering and
destroying at every step.
Wallace captured all American vessels that came into port,
and sent them to Boston with their crews, and many of them
never returned. About the last of November he sailed out of
the harbor, passed over to Connanicut, landing about two hun-
dred marines, and burnt all the buildings at and in the neighbor-
hood of the ferry. This wanton outrage in the destruction of
property, was aggravated by the death of one of the inhabi-
tants, a Mr. Martin, grandfather of T. Prescott Hall, Esq., the
owner of the Malborn garden seat, who was shot while stand-
ing at his own door. He was a loyalist^ and it was supposed to
have been done through mistake.
It is a well known fact in the history of those times, that lit-
tle was effected by the blockading squadron of Wallace, except
keeping the inhabitants in constant alarm, by threats and petty
depredations on the adjacent islands and neighborhoods. He
effected the landing of three hundred troops on Prudence
Island, and laid in ruins every building,, with their contents.
One of the inhabitants of the island was shot by a British sol-
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THE WANTON FAMILY. 207
dier, in attempting to escape. Mr. Pierce, the father of the late
Hon. Dexter T. Pierce, received a letter from Governor "Wan-
ton, of Nev^port, w^hose tenant he was, informing him the fleet
would appear off Prudence next day, and that he would be
able to dispose of his stock at good prices. But he, being a
patriot of the first water, was determined not to gratify Wan-
ton, or the British for whom he appeared so deeply interested.
As the wind did not favor the ships, he was able to get off his
stock and provisions before they took possession of the Island.
A glance at the Wanton family may be interesting to the
reader.
" Edward Wanton emigrated from London to Boston, before
1658. He assisted in the execution of the Quakers in 1659.
Convinced of the injustice of their persecution, and won by the
fortitude and resignation with which they suffered, he became
a convert to them. He removed to Scituate, Mass., in 1661,
where he had previously purchased an estate. He became a
Quaker preacher, and was a popular propagator of their doc-
trines. He died at Scituate, aged 85.
His eldest son, Joseph, settled at Tiverton, E. I., in 1688,
and both he and his wife were speakers in the Society of
Priends. Wilham Wanton (son of Edward) left Scituate and
settled in Newport. Before his removal, he married Ruth, the
daughter of Deacon Bryant ; she was a Congregationahst, and
he a Quaker. Religious objections were made against the
match on both sides. He said : ' Priend Ruth, let us break
from this unreasonable bondage — I will give up my religion,
and thou shalt thine^ and we will go over to the Church of Eng-
land, and go to the Devil together.'' They fulfilled this resolu-
tion so far as to go to the Church of England, and marrying,
and adhering to the Church of England during Hfe. He sus-
tained many oflSces. In 1732, he was elected Governor of the
State, and was reelected in 1733. He died in December of
that year. John Wanton, brother of William, from success in
trade, had become one of the most wealthy citizens of New-
port. He adhered to the faith of the Quakers. To heal party
divisions, which ran high at this period, he was induced to per-
mit himself to be voted for, and was elected Governor in 1734,
and was successively reelected for six years. He died in office,
July 5th, 1740. Gideon Wanton, son of PhiUp, and nephew
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208 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
ofWilliam and John, was an enterprising merchant of New-
port, and in addition to other offices, was elected Governor of
Ehode Island in 1745, and 1747. He died in September, 1767,
aged 74.
Joseph Wanton was the son of WilHam, who died governor
in 1733, and grand-son of the first Edward. He was an opu-
lent merchant in Newport, and connected by blood and affinity
with the wealthiest and most popular families in the Colony. In
1764 and 1767, he was elected Lieutenant-Governor through the
Hopkins' influence. In 1769 he succeeded Governor Lyndon
as Governor of the Colony, and was annually reelected, until
the pohtical troubles of 1775, when the office was declared va-
cant." — Updike.
American blood had been shed at Lexington, and the Colony
of Ehode Island was aroused. The Legislature then in ses-
sion, April 1775, passed a resolution to raise and embody 1,500
men, to repel any insult or violence that may be offered to the
inhabitants. &c. Governor Wanton sent in his protest against
the measures of that body, which, in the present excited state
of the pubhc mind, rendered his conduct highly obnoxious to
the people. The General Assembly declared the seat vacant,
and Nicholas Cook, then Lieutenant-Governor, w^as elected to
fill his place.
Extract of a letter addressed to the northern part of the Co-
lony, by Stephen Hopkins, in 1764, in justification of the
character of Mr, Wanton, who was Deputy- Governor under
him :
" I hear it said he is but a boy, is a proud, foppish fellow,
w^ears ruffles and laced clothes, and will not take any notice of
or speak to a poor man. As to the first, he is about thirty-four
years old. He has been genteelly bred, and received a liberal
education, which was matured and pofished, a sound under-
standing and enterprising genius. His haughty carriage and
despising of the poor, is nothing more than an unworthy cal-
umny of his enemies ; and this I can safely affirm, that in Gen-
eral Assembly, where I have been chiefly acquainted with him,
he remarkably and invariably appeared to be the poor man's
friend, as all can testify who have served there with him. Per-
haps many of you are desirous that the northern part of the
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THE WANTON FAMILY. 209
Colony should have its equal share in the administration of gov-
ernment. If this be the case, you may be fully assured that no-
thing can tend so directly to weaken and destroy that intention,
as the placing both Governor and Deputy- Grovernor in one town
in the northern part of the Colony.
Stephen Hopkins.
Providence, April 16thj 1764"
The family of "Wantons, from having occupied a high position
in the Colony, by their subsequent conduct, in opposing all
measures of resistance against the invaders of their country,
and also in favoring the British interest at the expense of the
rights and liberties of the Colonics, died a political death. Gov-
ernor Wanton is said to have been a man '' of amiable disposi-
tion, elegant manners, handsome person, and splendid appear-
ance. He dressed in the finest style of the times, with a large
white wig, with three curls, one falling down his back, and one
forward of each shoulder." His likeness is placed in the Bed-
wood Library. He died at Newport, July 19, 1780, aged 75
years, and was interred in the family vault in the Clifton burial
place. The name has become extinct in Newport. His former
residence in Thames-street, is now owned by the heirs of the
late Captain Robert Lawton.
" We hear from Newport that Joseph Wanton, Esq., finding
the British were about to evacuate that place, loaded a vessel
with his effects, in order to take his departure with them, but
the master being on shore, and the mate having a fair gale for
putting off, slipped out of the harbor, and instead of taking the
desired course, carried the vessel and effects to Providence,*
where they were cheerfully received."
It would have been far more gratifying could we have en-
rolled his name as a patriot in the war of the Eevolution, instead
of favoring the enemies of his country.
About this period a regiment was raised for this station,
commanded by Col. Babcock. General Lee was also sent from
Boston, to our assistance, by General Washington, with several
companies of riflemen. He arrested all the Tories he could
find, imposed upon them the most severe restrictions, and -soon
after returned to Boston.
In the autumn of this year, a large nii\nber of the Ehoda
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210 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
Island troops stationed at Boston, embarked in Montgomery^
expedition against Quebec, under command of General Arnold.
No expedition during the war, was attended with greater diffi-
culties, or displayed a more unconquerable spirit of persever-
ance, than this. Their march through a trackless, unexplored
wilderness, for more than three hundred miles, rendered their
progress slow and difficult. To support life, they were compel-
led to eat their dogs, shoes, &c., and when at one hundred miles
from a human habitation, they divided their last morsel of bread.
And yet such was their unconquerable spirit of patriotism, that
their fortitude remained unshaken. On the 1st of December, a
siege was commenced upon Quebec, by the united forces of Arnold
and Montgomery. The atteinpt proved unsuccessful, and fatal
to the brave Montgomery, who fell at the onset, with two distin-
guished officers at his side.
General Arnold was wounded in the action, and carried from
the field, when the command devolved on, and the fort was
taken by Ool. Morgan, a gallant and intrepid officer.
General Arnold remained encamped during the winter, a few
miles from Quebec, but the following spring, not being rein-
forced, and his own forces being insufficient to attempt the re-
duction of the place, he retired, and by the middle of June, the
Americans had wholly evacuated Canada. We could almost
have wished the wound of Arnold had proved mortal, and he
not have been left to disgrace his country, and involve a valu-
able officer in obloquy and ruin.
The fate of Major Andre, who was a most highly accomplished
and meritorious officer, has continued to be a subject of univer-
sal regret ; and could Washington, consistently with the usages
of war, have pardoned the unfortunate man, it would most cheer-
fully have been done. But ihe decision of the Court Martial,
of which Gen. Greene was President, adjudged him worthy of
death^ and it was not within the province of the Commander-in-
Chief to reverse that decision, without subjecting himself to
censure and reproach.
Major Andre, it is said, was strongly attached to a lady in
England, and while in prison^ penned the following striking and
significant lines ;
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DEPARTURE OF WALLACE. 211
'■' Keturn, enraptured hours,
When Delia's heart was mine.
When she with wreaths of flowers
My temples did entwine,
1^0 jealousy or care
Corroded o'er my breast?
^0 visions, light qs air.
Presided o'er my rest.
Since I'm removed from state.
And bid adieu to time,
At my unha,ppy fate
Let Delia not repine.
•0h, may the mighty Jove
Crown her with happiness ;
Grant ! grant ! ye powers above.
To take her home to rest."
"Wallace maintained the possession of the harbor until the
spring of 1776.
A newspaper called " The Neivport Gazette^'^ was established
tmder the patronage of the British authorities at Newport. It
was pubhshed by John Howe, in 1777.
On the 6th of April, troops having arrived from Providence
to our assistance, with two row galleys of two eighteen pound-
ers each, and while the fleet lay at anchor about a mile from
Newport, Col. Babcock directed that two eighteen pounders
be placed on an eminence near the shore, in open view of the
•enemy, and without any works to protect them. Here the in-
trepid Ool, Elliot, together with the galleys, under command of
Commodore Grimes, soon rendered the situation of the cow-
ardly Wallace extremely uncomfortable, and he abandoned the
harbor with the whole squadron. The G-lasgow, of twenty guns,
commanded by Cuptain Snow, returned to Newport, and came
to anchor near Port Island, having fallen in with, and received
a severe chastisement from, Admiral Hopkins, off Block Island.
The same evening, Col. Eichmond ordered several pieces of
heavy artillery to be brought and placed on Brenton's Pointy
w^here a shght breastwork was thrown up during the night.
The following morning he opened so vigorous and well directed
a fire upon ber and the transport ship Snow, that they hastily
cut their cables and went out to sea. A few days subsequently
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212 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
the British ship of war Scarborough, of twenty guns, and two
hundred and twenty-five men, with the Cimetar, of eighteen
guns and one hundred and forty men, having with them two
prize ships^ put into Newport harbor, and came to anchor a
little to the south of Eose Island. A resolution was at once
formed to attempt the rescue of the prizes. The plan adopted
was for Captain Hyers, of the Washington galley, to attack and
hold the Scarborough at bay^ while Captain Grimes, of the
Spitfire galley, was to board and bring off the prizes. Col.
Babcock had also made preparations, in case either of the ships
should approach sufficiently near the North Battery at Bren-
ton^s Point, to^ give them at these places a warm reception.
About 11 o'clock at night, Capt. Grimes came along-side, and
boarded and took the prize brig from under the stern of the
man-of-war. The Scarborough immediately prepared to give
chase, but was so annoyed and embarrassed in her course by
Oaptain:;Hyers,, that the brig was brought safely to harbor,, and
the Scarborough brought within reach of the North Battery,
when Col. Babcock poured upon her such an incessant shower
of balls,, together with the well-directed and galling fire of the
Washington galley, as entirely to arrest her progress and pre-
vent further pursuit. At that moment the prize sloop was sail-
ing with the intention of getting under the protecting wing of
the Scarborough, but was disappointed by the intrepidity of
Capt. Grimes, who cut her off, boarded^, and sent her to Pro-
vidence.
The British ships having both received a severe-chastisement,,
the Scarborough from the North Battery,, and the^ Washington
galley, and the Cimetar from the battery at Bren ton's Point
and the Spitfire galley, Capt.. Grimes,, came to anchor between
Connanicut and Eose Island. But this position was asunpropi-
tious^ as the former, for a battery was opened and the storm of
death soon came down upon them from the shores of Connani'
cut, so that finding no safety in the harbor, and danger threat,
eningthem whichever way they fiew^ they deemed it the better part
of valor to abandon their position, by a hasty and inglorious re-
treat. But in leaving the harbor they had another fiery ordeal
to pass, both at Brenton's Point and Castle Hill, where they re-
ceived a severe and vie^orous cannonade from the American bat-
t^ries at these places.. The ships returned the fire with 'greati^
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ARRIVAL OF THE BRITISH FLEET AND ARMY. 213
rage, and departed in mortification and disgrace. During these
eight or ten days of almost incessant and successful struggles,
the Americans had only one man shghtly wounded.
During this season a number of privateers were fitted out at
Newport and Providence, which captured from fifty to one
hundred valuable prizes, which were sent to Providence, New-
London, &c.
Early in the fall, intelligence w^as received that a large Bri-
tish fleet and army were soon expected to arrive, to take pos-
session of the Island. All the cattle the American commander
could collect, probably one-half on the Island, were driven to
Howland's Ferry, and swam over the river, to prevent their
falling into the hands of the enemy.
In December the British fleet and army arrived, under the
command of Sir Peter Parker. The American force being alto-
gether insuflicient to make any efl'ectual resistance, retreated
from the Island, and many of the inhabitants left at the same
time.
The consternation is said to have been dreadful. Many of
the inhabitants could not procure vehicles, as everything of the
kind was in requisition, and they were obhged to travel on foot
to Howland's Ferry, and on arriving there, were compelled to
wait before they could be ferried over, as the crowd assembled
was so numerous. The fleet ran up the west side of Connanicut,
crossed over from the north point of that Island, and landed
their troops in Middletown, about four and a half miles from
Newport.
The British army consisted of about eight or ten thousand
men, Enghsh and Hessians, of each about an equal number,
commanded by General Clinton and Lord Percy. They marched
up and encamped on Gould's and Weaver's Hill, except a few"
who landed at Coddington's Cove, and marched into Newport.
The Hessians who accompanied the British, were hired for a
small sum, and were made to beheve that the people they were
about: to subdue were weak and inefficient. And so sanguine
were they of success, that it is said many had prepared them-
selves with milking pails and other apparatus to cultivate the
land.
Wh^n the fleet arrived here, there were two new Khodo
Island frigates, called the "Warren, and the Providence, lying
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214 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
in the harbor of Newport^ with eight or ten privateers, whicb
all got nnder weigh^ and ran np the river. Both frigates and
privateers, however, during the winter, taking advantage of the
north-east wind, made their escape and went to sea, notwith-
standing the utmost vigilance and care with which each passage
was guarded by the British fleet ; demonstrating the import-
ance of the bay, and proving the impossibility of its being
blockaded.
In 1778, in the month of November, there was collected in
the harbor of Newport, twelve British ships of the line, and
two frigates.
As soon as the army landed; they commenced plundering the
inhabitants ; sheep, fowls, stacks of hay, and every thing else
they could lay their hands on, went off as by magic, the first
night- This was their intention at the outset, and as they
could not unjustly tax the Colonies, and rob them of their
earnings with impunity, they had recourse to powder and ball,
in order more effectually to carry out their diabolical plans, and
compel them to yield obedience to their arbitrary mandates.
After having remained in camp for one week, the barrack
officer went through the neighborhood, surveying every house^
and unceremoniously quartering in each^ from ten to forty, and
even forty-five men, according to the size and convenience of
the house. They remained quartered on the inhabitants until
the following May, when they again returned to camp. The
female portion of the inhabitants of the town, who were accus-
tomed to the needle, made clothing for the soldiers, and in this
way obtained a living, while the place was a British garrison.
It has been said^ that the people who remained at Newport,
fared much better than many who left, and went on the main.
It was undoubtedly a time of trial, and no place suffered more
severely than did Newport.
About this time, several thousands of the British troops left
Ehode Island for New-York, under the command of General
ChntoUy and Lord Percy. The command then devolved upon
General Prescott. This officer was a haughty, tyrannical, and
despicable character ; and actuated by principles and habits
purely aristocratical, founded on his position as commander, he
was poorly qualified to gain the friendship and esteem of hi&
enemiesy or strengthen the confidence of his friends.
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ANECDOTE OF MR. ANTHONY. 215
His constant habit while walking the streets, if he saw any
of the inhabitants conversing together, was to shake his cane at
them, and say, " Disperse, ye rebels." During one of his
perambulations about the streets, he chanced to meet with one
EHsha Anthony, a member of the Society of Friends, and one
asking Friend Anthony, in passing, " why he did not take his
hat off ?" Anthony said, '' It was against his principles to shew
those signs of respect to man." Prescott hearing the observa-
tion, ordered his servant to knock off his hat, which he did ;
and they passed on, leaving the Friend, who very coolly picked
up his broad-brim, and passed on.
This Mr. Anthony's residence was on the corner of King and
Thames-street, formerly the old Crown Coffee-house. He
possessed a span of the finest horses on the island, and he at-
tended and caressed them with almost as much tenderness as
he would have bestowed upon human beings, and the very next
day after the hat transaction, Prescott sent for these horses,
saying he wanted them to carry an express to Boston.
What he did with one of them is not known ; but Mr. An-
thony, having occasion to go out on the island next day, found
one of them rode to death, on the road side. The poor horse
was dying, and as his master came up to him, he recognized
him, and Hfting his head from the ground, gave him such a
pitiful and reproachful look as penetrated his heart. He said
he could never get over the feeling it gave him. Warned by
this instance of malice, Mr. Anthony secreted his cow, and
other domestic animals, in his kitchen.
No wonder Prescott was sent back to Newport, after his
exchange. He was a worthy minion of arbitrary power, though
if he had had the feelings of a man, he would rather have been
hanged than have appeared there again.
July 10, 1777, Colonel Barton, of Providence, conceived and
executed one of the most bold and hazardous enterprises
recorded in the history of the Eevolution. General Prescott
was quartered at this time about five miles from Newport, on
the west road, leading to the ferry, at the seat of Mr. Overing.
Barton's design was to pass over to Ehode Island from the
main, seize Prescott at his quarters, and carry him to the
American camp.
This enterprise, though hazardous in the extreme, was plan-
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216 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
Bed with cool deliberation and consummate prudence. Having
chosen several officers in whom he could repose unlimited con-
fidence, he selected about forty men, whom he knew well under-
stood rowing, and on wdiose tried valor he could rely in the most
perilous exigency.
David P. Hall, Esq., of New-York, stated, 'Hhat Quako
Honyman, formerly a servant of the Eev. James Honyman, who
was at this time a waiter of General Prescott, communicated
to Gol. Barton his exact position, and accompanied him on the
enterprise."
At this time there were three British frigates, the Lark, the
Diamond, and the Juno, lying with their guard-boats out, on
the east side of Prudence. On the 10th of the month, at about
nine o'clock in the evening, the Colonel, with his company,
embarked on board their boats, from Warwick Neck, and with
muffled oars passed over to Ehode Island, between Prudence
and Patience. As they passed the south end of Prudence,
they heard from the guard-boats of the enemy, the sentinel's
cry, '' All's w^ell." As they landed. Barton divided his men
into several divisions, assigning to each their station, when they
advanced toward the house, preserving the strictest order, and
the most profound silence. They passed the British guard-
house from eighty to one hundred rods on the left, and a
company of light horse at about an equal distance on the right,
and a little left of that was the Pedwood seat, where General
Smith, second in command, was stationed. (The house is now
the property of Elbert J. Anderson, Esq., of New-York, who
married a descendant of Mr. Eedwood.)
One of the divisions was directed by a circuitous course to
advance upon the house in the rear, and secure the doors,
while Barton, with the other division, was to advance up in
front of the house, through the gate. As they approached the
gate, the sentinel, w^ho stood a few yards from them, cried out,
" "Who comes there ?" Not readily receiving an answer, he
hailed the second time, and demanded the countersign, w^hen
Barton sternly i:eplied, " We have no countersign to give ; have
you seen any deserters to-night ?" This had the intended
effect. They continued to advance upon him, Barton still
demanding wnth greater vehemence, " Have you seen any de-
serters ?" so that he never suspected them as foes, until his
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SEIZURE OF GENERAL PRESCOTT. 217
musket was seized, and he was told that if he made the least
noise, he was a dead man.
The other division had already taken possession of, and
secured the doors, so that egress from it by its inmates was
impossible. ' General Prescott was not alarmed, till his captors
were at the door of his bed-chamber, which was fast closed.
The negro before mentioned, Quako Honyman, instantly thrust
his beetle-head through the panel-door and secured his victim.
In the mean time, Major Barrington, aid-de-camp to General
Prescott, finding the house attacked, leaped out of a window,
intending to seek security in flight ; but when he reached the
ground, was secured a prisoner.
Colonel Barton, placing his hand on Prescott's shoulder,
told him. he was his prisoner, and that silence was his only
safety. General Prescott requested permission to dress, but
was told by Barton that their business required haste, and that
he could only have time to wrap his cloak around him.
For security, and in order that the General might keep time
with the light hearts and quick step of the OolonePs party, he
w^as compelled to walk between two officers, one arm resting
on the shoulder of each, while Major Barrington and the sen-
tinel, were stationed in the centre of the party.
They passed through a barley-field, a few rods north of where
Mr. Peleg Ooggeshall's barn now stands, and but a short dis-
tance from the guard-house. When they arrived at the boats,
General Prescott w^as permitted to dress ; when he was seated
in the boat commanded by Gol. Barton, Gen. Prescott implicitly
obeyed the injunction of silence, until they had passed for
some distance the British ships. As they landed at Warwick
Neck, hex turned to Colonel Barton, and said, " Sir, you have
made a bold push to-night." Barton replied, " We have been
fortunate." Colonel Elhot was found waiting there, with a
coach, to receive and convey him to Providence, where himself,
with Col. Barton and prisoner, arrived early in the morning.
Prescott was subsequently taken to Pomfret, in Connecticut,
where he remained a short time. It is said that the landlord
of the house where he stopped, brought him a dish of beans
and corn, at which he was so highly exasperated, that he threw
them into the face of the landlord, who very deliberately wiped
his face with his shirt sleeve, and left the room. He, however,
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218 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
soon returned, with a cow-hide, and the manner in which he
appHed it to his back, was a striking caution.
Quako, the black, who piloted the enterprise, and who was
rewarded for his services, lived for many years in Pomfret
Connecticut ; he afterwards removed to Munson, Massachusetts^
where he died. It is stated that the British w^ere so incensed
against him, that if they could have caught him, he would
have been hung, drawn, and quartered.
General Prescott was afterwards exchanged for General
Lee, who had fallen into the hands of the enemy, and, at the
close of the same year, or the beginning of the next, he again
took command of the British forces on Rhode Island, where he
remained until its final evacuation.
The imprisonment of Colonel Barton, for the term of four-
teen years, in Vermont, was a blot on the national escutcheon.
A man who had rendered such essential service to his country
should have received the aid of the nation. But not until
General La Fayette came to this country on a visit, was his
liberation elBfected. He, like a noble patriot, enquired after his
old friend and companion in arms, and on beiiig informed of his
imprisonment, went out of his way to meet him, (and it was
a joyful meeting,) the prison doors were opened instanter, and
the captive set at liberty. ,
On the 27th, Congress voted Colonel Barton an elegant
sword, in acknowledgment of his capture of General Prescott,
and sent him a vote of thanks, for that important service.
Important it was on many accounts. It had a tendency to
excite in a high degree the enthusiasm of the people, to con-
vince them that their foes in this quarter were not invincible,
and to humble the arrogance of the enemy.
Colonel Barton was quite an amusing man, and whether the
countenance is the true index of the heart or not, he had the
happy faculty of always appearing pleasant. It was a familiar
saying of his —
" To die and bo forgot, is the lot of all mankind,
But to be forgot before you are dead is hard."
He would then break forth from his reverie, and sing most
amusingly these words, —
*' But while we're here, with friends so dear.
Let's drive dull care awaj."
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SURRENDEE OF GENERAL BURGOYNE, 219
In September, 1777, a secret expedition against Ehode
Island was concerted by G-eneral Spencer, the commander-in-
chief of the American forces in Ehode Island. The Americans
were stationed at Tiverton, near where the stone bridge now
is. By some means, however, the British commander was
apprised of Spencer's intention, and made preparations for
his reception. He directed several dams to be thrown across
the brook, running from the north, through the land of the late
WilHam Bailey, southward to Easton's Pond, which raised the
water to the depth of three or four feet, all through that valley.
It is said, the British intended to permit them to land, and
march up without opposition, then destroy their boats, and cut
off their retreat.
The expedition was, however, abandoned, even after the
troops had embarked on board their boats. The certain cause
of its failure is yet unknown. It has been suggested, that it
was designed as a feint, to divert the attention of the enemy,
and thereby succeed in dislodging them from other and more
important points.
General Burgoyne's surrender immediately followed this
event, and but httle regard was paid to the course of pohcy
adopted by G-eneral Spencer, while in command of the troops
on the Island.
General Spencer, on leaving his quarters one morning, found
the following doggerel verse, written in large letters, placed in
full view of the public :
" Israel wanted bread,
The Lord sent them manna ;
Rhode Island wants a head,
And Congress sends— a granny '"
After this, the Major-General was called by the sobriquet
of " Granny Spencer," as long as he remained in Ehode
Island.
On October 17, 1777, a flag arrived at Newport from Provi-
dence, bearing intelligence of the surrender of General Burgoyne
and army to the American forces. A knowledge of this event had
reached the Island, and was known by certain individuals two
days previous to its public announcement by the arrival of the
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220 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND,
flag. During the whole time the British had possession of the
island, a correspondence was maintained between certain indi-
viduals of the island and the main, at Little Oompton, so that
the American officers were constantly apprized of the general
movements of the enemy, while in possession of Ehode Island.
The correspondence was maintained by signals given on the
Island, indicating a clear coast, and that a messenger could pass
over in safety, after dark. The first signal was the leaving
down of a certain pair of bars, which, with the spy-glass, could
be distinctly seen from the main. Afterward, for fear of excit-
ing the suspicion of the enemy, the signal was changed — when
an open window of Mr. Peleg Peckham's barn answered the
same purpose.
A small vault in the ground, near the shore, and at no great
distance from Mr. Peckham's, covered with a flat stone, served
as a depository of communication: There, letters and papers
were regularly deposited and removed, by the respective indi-
viduals engaged in the correspondence. It was through this
medium of communication that the intelligence of Burgoyne's
surrender first reached the Island. It is said that the papers
bringing this intelhgence, and which were found safely deposit-
ed in the vault, are still preserved in the family of a Mr. Barker,
on the Island. This noted spot is in Middletown, on the east
side of the Island, in sight of Little Oompton.
That part of the British army now in possession of the Island,
consisted of the 22d regiment, commanded by Colonel Camp-
bell ; the 43d, by Colonel Marsh ; the 54th, by Col. Bruce; and
the 63d, by Major Bill. The artillery was commanded by Col-
onel Ennis. The Hessian regiments were, the Heno, the Beno,
the Bedford, and Lanscraft, deriving their names from their
respective commanders. There was also a company of hght
horse attached to the army, with a regiment of refugees, com-
manded by Colonel Panning. There were also a few compa-
nies attached to the army, called Boushears and Anspaks ;
these were G-ermans.
In the spring of 1778, General Sulhvan having been appoint-
ed to the command of the American troops in Ehode Island,
the British commander at Newport, anticipating an attempt
upon the Island by the Americans, sent a detachment of five
hundred men up the river to destroy their boats, and by this
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ARUIVAL OF THE FRENCH FLEET. 22!
means frustrate the anticipated expedition. They landed on the
nlorningof May 25, at daylight, between Warren and Bristol, and
proceeded in two divisions, one for Warren, and the other for tl^e
head of Kickemuet river, ^^ when they destroyed about seventy
flat-bottom boatSyandsetfire.to one of the State galleys." They
also burnt a large quantity of pitch, tar, plank, and ^otber pro-
perty belonging to the Americans at that place.. The party.
which proceeded to Warren, after having, burnt the .meeting-
house and a number of dwelhng houses, plundered and robbed
the inhabitants, not even, the females excepted, who were robbed
of their shoe buckles, gold rings^ handkerchiefs, &c. A few
days subsequently,, a body of one hundred and fifty men were
sent to burn the mill, and. other buildings around it, at Tiverton.
They burnt the old mill, and another building at the landing;
but; in proceeding tp. the town, the place of their intended plun-
der, their progress was arrested at the bridge by a Spartan band
of twenty -five meUy who. had planted, themselves there^ and dis-
puted their passage. ; Nor were they able to carry the bridge,
although frequently attempted, and were compelled to return
without effecting the object of their expedition.
In. July, 1778, the French fleet of eleven sail of fine ships, be-
sides frigates and transports, under the command of Count
D'Estaing, appeared off the harbor,, to the great joy of the in-
habitants, and anchored near to Brent on 's Beef. One of the
ships of the fleet ran up the west side of Connanicutj and an-
chored at the north point of the Island. The three British
frigates above mentioned, lay at anchor on the east side of .Pru-
dence. A few mornings after, they weighed anchor and sailed^
with the design af getting under protection of the battery at
Tammany HilL The French ship, aware of their intention, got
under way at the same time, and cut them off.
The frigates then stood in for the shore, and were run aground
about five or, six miles from Newport, on the west sideof Ebode
Island. Before they grounded, they cut away the masts,, for
the purpose of driving them nearer the shore; and as soon as
they struck, they set them on fire, and made for the shore in
their boats. During this time, the French ship was sufliciently
Bear to have thrown grape shot over them, yet when she saw
them fire and abandon their vessels, she retired and took her
former position, without firing a gun. A number of Brltisb
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222 HISTORY OF KHOBE ISLAND.
vessels, lying at Ooddington Covej were also set on fire as soon
as the burning of the frigates was discovered. The Grand
Duke, lying a little to the north of Long Wharf, with several
other vessels, was burnt. The Falcon and the Flora, frigates,
were sunk ; the latter at Fort "Walcott Wharf, and they were
never afterward able to float her. About a year after the Bri-
tish evacuated the Island, and the Americans took possession,
the Flora was floated, fitted for sea, and sent to France. About
the same time the frigates were burnt in the harbor and along
the shore, the King Fisher, a man-of war, was burnt in the East
Passage.
The French fleet, after lying at anchor for several days, ran
up the middle passage, and anchored under Gould Island.
They ran up under three topsails, and received the fire of the
British batteries as they passed, but returned it with such
warmth that they soon silenced the forts. Several shots from
the French fleet were unintentionally thrown into the town. As
soon as the fleet approached the harbor, the British troops coni-
menced burning the houses about two miles from Newport,
commencing at the house formerly owned by the late G-eo.
Irish, Esq, ; they burnt every house on the West road, for the
distance of a mile ; on the East road about half that distance ;
and from the West road to the shore. At the same time a
party, principally refugees, was employed and sent out through
the Island, headed by one William Crosson, who cut and de-
stroyed cart-wheels, wagons, and carriages of all descriptions,
grindstones, scythes, axes, hatchets, and every other edged tool
they could find, and filled up many of the wells. Crosson's
deeds of darkness were perpetrated during the night, and were
not confined to the limits of the Island, but often extended as
far as Swanzey Neck, Little Oompton, and Fall Eiver, plunder-
ing the inhabitants of everything he could bring off" in his
boats, and frequently not even sparing the citizens themselves.
In one of his midnight excursions, he seized and brought off a
worthy and respectable citizen of Swanzey Neck, by the name
of Blade, who died of the small pox on board of the British
prison ship in the harbor of Newport. Many others, who had
the misfortune to fall into his hands, were never after permitted
to return.
Crosson's character had become so notorious, and pubhc in-
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AN INHUMAN MURDER. 223
dignation so excited, that measures were taken for his appre-
hension. But securely sheltered under the protecting wing of
British power by day, no prospect of his capture appeared,
unless it could be effected when engaged in his depredations
at night. Accordingly a boat was fitted out at Little Oompton
called a shaving mill, commanded by Lemuel Bayley of that
town, for hi*s capture. Nor was it long before he found him-
self a prisoner. He wa^ conveyed to Providence under a
strong guard, but w^hen he arrived there, such was the pubhc
feeling of indignation against him, that with great difl&culty
the guard could protect him from popular violence. After hav-
ing been in prison for several months in that town, by some
means, supposed to be by the influence of a hrihe^ he escaped from
jail and appeared again in Newport. "When the British evacu-
ated the Island, Crossons went off with them, and probably
considered it safe to remain with them, as he never afterward
returned to Newport. Dollars and cents, it seems, have always
had an unbounded influence with some in the Plantations. —
Among the reckless associates of Orosson, was a man by the
name of Gouldsborough. He landed his party at Little Oomp-
ton one evening, near the place where a lad by the name of
Taggart, son of Judge WilHam Taggart, senior, and brother
of the late Judge Taggart, of Middletown, was stationed as a
sentinel. The inhuman G-ouldsborough seized and murdered
young Taggart on the spot.
A few days previous to this, the British commander had
seized and drove within the lines all the stock, cows, oxen, &c.,
he could find on the Island. Sheep there were none, having all
been previously stolen.
The same day (at night) on which the Prench fleet came in,
the British withdrew their troops from the north end of the
island, and took up their position on the heights, about two
miles from Newport. Their fine extended from Ooddington's
Cove to Easton's Beach ; the whole distance being defended by
breastworks and redoubts ; besides which, they had a Hne still
nearer the town, running from the West of the north mill down
to the Gills' farm, formerly the property of Nicholas Easton.
On the following morning, the American army landed on the
north end of the Island, without opposition, and took posses-
sion of the neighboring heights. The army was composed of
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224 msTOEY OF rhode island.
militia, continental troops, and volunteers, commanded by Gen-
erals Bullivan, G^reen, Grlover, and the Marquis de Lafayette,
supposed to number from ten to fifteen thousand men.
On the-afternoon of the same day that the Americans landed
on the Island, the British fleet of twenty-five sail was discovered
standing in for Newport. They came too off Point Judith for
the night, but a sudden change of wind favoring the Count the
following morning, he stood out to sea with his whole squad-
ron. Lord Howe, after some unsuccessful manoeuvering to get
the weather gu age of the French fleet, put to sea, followed by
Count D'Estaing, and both fleets were soon lost sight of in th^
distance. The storm which had already commenced, continued
to rage with increasing violence for several days, so that no
general action was obtained between the fleets. Both, how-
ever, were greatly damaged by the storm.
The Languedoc, of ninety guns, commanded by Count
D'Estaing, had neither mast nor bowsprit standing, and several
others were in a similar situation. The American troops en-
camped on the north part of the Island, sufferred not less than
the ships. . Such was the violence of the tempest, attended with
a^powerfulrain, that by the night of the 12th, not a tent or
marquee remained standing. Many horses and several of the
soldiers perished by the severity of the storm, and the whole
army was in the most wTetched and deplorable condition. And
in addition to their own personal sufierings, the greater part of
their ammunition was either destroyed or greatly damaged by the
storm. The 14th, the storm having subsided, and the day be-
ing serene and warm, the American army spent in drying their
clothes, &c., and in making ready for their future operations.
On the following morning, they took up their fine of march in
three several divisions ; one on the East road, one on the
West, and the third through the centre of the Island, and pos-
sessed themselves of the heights, about one and a half miles
from the British lines. General Sullivan quartered about five
miles from Newport,^ at what is now called the G-ibbs Earm.
General Lafayette quartered on the East side of the Island, at
what was then called the Bowler Garden Earm, about the same
distance from Newport. General Green quartered on the farm
now owned by the heirs of the late Colonel Eichard K. Kan
dolph, of Newport.
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GREAT SNOW STORM. 225
The British had thrown up a large fort, the remains of which
are still visible, a little to the north and east of the residence of
the late George Irish, Esq., and directly opposite on Hofiyman's
Hill. At a distance of httle more than a mile, the Americans
had thrown up a fort and other works, and by the 20th, they
had opened two four-gun batteries, and by the 23d had mounted
seventeen pieces of heavy artillery, two ten-inch mortars, and
three five and a half inch howitzers.
From these works, on either side, was kept up a continual
cannonading by day, and throwing of bombs by night, by which
many were killed on both sides. An amusing circumstance is
related of the discharge of a cannon from the battery at Hony-
man's Hill. A large dinner party had assembled at the Dudley
Farm, now occupied by Edward Van Zandt, Esq., when just as
the guests were about to seat themselves at the table, a ball
passed through the hall, and the company fled precipitately out
of the house, with the loss of their dinner.
GREAT SNOW STORM.
On the night of the 22d of December, 1778, a snow storm com-
menced with a severity never before experienced by the oldest
inhabitants, for the quantity of snow which fell, as also for the
severity of the cold.
In Newport, all the sentinels of the British army who were
stationed in the exterior hues, that were not called in before
night, were found after the storm, frozen to death at their
posts ; many soldiers perished in buildings where they had no
fire, and many perished in endeavoring to find their quarters
during the snow storm. The storm was afterwards known as
the " Hessian storm," from the great number of soldiers of that
nation who perished.
No tidings were received, and nothing was known of the dis-
abled and wrecked condition of the fleets, until about a week
after the storm, when the French fleet were seen at a distance,
standing for Newport.
At 7 o'clock, R M... the Marquis de Lafayette, and other
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226 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
officers, went on board to consult with the French officers, on
measures for the vigorous and successful prosecution of the ex-
pedition, and prevail with them immediately to enter the har-
bor. But their efforts were without success, and about 12 at
night they left the ships and returned on shore. The conduct
of the Count, in refusing a compliance with the request of the
American officers, when conquest appeared so easy, and victory
^0 sure, was most severely censured. But when it is considered
that his instructions were positive from the Court of France, in
case of disaster, and that his officers unanimously signed a pro-
test against entering the harbor in their disabled condition, this
censure at least in a very great degree, must appear to be un-
merited and severe.
"We ha.ve never been able to discover that any very important
aid was furnished by the French fleet, while in the waters of
Newport. There was, we grant, a shoiv of resistance, but the
efficiency in prosecuting the line of defence, failed. Far be it from
us, however, to undervalue the aid received from the French.
It decided the contest. ^' It cost her more than three hundred
millions of dollars," and hurried her into a revolution, more ex°
hausting than any other state in the tide of time.
The chief object of the treaties of 1778, was the establisment
of the Liberty, Sovereignty, and Independence of the United
States in the war of the Eevolution. It was a dark and gloomy
period with the Colonies, when France offered her assistance.
The hopes which had been kindled by early successes, were
almost extinguished by recent and successive disasters. It was at
this painful moment that allied armies, fresh, vigoroup, and well-
appointed, cooperating with a gallant fleet, met the invader, and
his surrender at Yorktown, opened the way to peace, sover-
eignty, and independence.
The mihtia raised for this expedition, were drafted only for
three weeks ; one-half of which were on service, and the re-
mainder were to hold themselves in readiness, to succeed them
at the expiration of that time, if called for. Within twenty-four
hours after the French fleet sailed for Boston, between two and
three thousand volunteers from Boston and other parts of New-
England, left the army and returned home. And many of the
militia whose term of service had now expired, returned, while
those who were to succeed them, came on with reluctance, and
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EETREAT FROM RHODE ISLANB. 227
Slot more than half their number \^''as ever supplied, so that the
American army was greatly reduced.
In this situation, without a naval force to protect or succor
them, the possibility of a successful retreat was the only alterna-
tive. But it was deemed prudent not hastily to abandon their
present position, kst they should thus encourage the pursuit of
their foes, and hazard the honor of a successful retreat They
still maintained their post until the night of the 28th., when
about 12tb o'clock., the army began to move toward the nortk
end of the Island, secure a communication with the main, and
wait until information should be received from the Erench fleet
in Boston.
Gen. de Lafayette was despatched with a message to Count
D'Estaing, to ascertain whether the assistance and cooperation
'of the fleet couid be expected^ and to Bolicit its speedy return.
The Count could not consent that the fleet should return, but
promptly oflered to march his troops from Boston, to the assist-
ance of the American forces on E-hode Island, if requested. At
daylight, the retreat having been discovered by the British,
they took up their march in pursuit.
The French have never been distinguished on the ocean ; in
the battle-field they have never had their superiors. If the fleet
liad been possessed of sufficient nerve they might at this exi-
gency have rendered essential service to our troops, but as it
was, they displayed a very great weakness, and gave the enemy
the advantage. About six miles from Newport, the ^regiment
In advance, commanded by Col. Campbell, was separated in two
divisions, and pressed forward in pursuit ; one division retaining
the road., the other the open field to the left They advanced
without opposition or obstruction, until they approached a wall
running from the west a little to the north of Sampson Sher-
man's house. Here the Americans had lying in ambush, under
the wall, a piquet guard of between three and four hundred men,
who were not discovered by the enemy, and who were ordered
not to fire until the word was given by the commander; again
to load and fire, and then continue their retreat.
The orders were strictly obeyed, and the command to fire
was not given until the enemy were within half gun shot, when
they poured upon them such a flood of death, as not only to
check the advancing foe^ but throw them into the greatest con-
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22B HISTORY OF RHODE JSLAND,
fusion, giving tlie guard sufficient time again to fire and make?
good their retreat, with but very little loss.
Col. Campbell had several balls pass through his clothes, and
his horse killed under him. At one of the field pieces every
man was shot down at the first fire. In the rear^ and at a dis-
tance of not more than half a mile, the Fifty-fourth and two Hes-
sian regiments were advancing,- but so unexpected and fatal had
been the work of that mom.ent, and so rapid the retreat of the
assailants^ that they arrived too late to render their dying com-
panions the least assistance.
The main body of the American army had gained and taken
possession of Butt's Hill, on the northern part of the Island.. It
bas generally been supposed, even at this time, had G-eneral
Green's advice been taken,, a most signal victory might have
been gained over the pursuing enemy. His advice was over-
ruled, however, and the enemy pressed onward toward the
American lines. They advanced near the left wing of the Ameri-
can army,, but were repulsed and driven back by General Glover^
when they retired and took possession of Quaker Hill, about a
mile from the position occupied by the Americans. A contin-
ued skirmishing was kept up between the two armies,, during
this and the following day, and frequently whole regiments wer©
engaged in the deadly strife at once^ and the same spot of
ground was taken possession of and abandoned by both the bel-
ligerent parties-. The last and most severe skirmish during the
action, was an attempt made by the British on a redoubt in pos-
isession of the Americans, A reinforcement was sent to its re-
lief, who arrived just in time to prevent the success of the enemy ^
and just^ as they were making a third and desperate effort to
carry the- redoubt ; they were repulsed witli considerable loss^
and in great confusion precipitately retreated, leaving many of
their slain and wounded on the field of battle. After this action^
the firing of the musketry ceased, but the roar of the artillery
still continued on both sides.
One grand object of the American commander in planting
himself on these heights, and maintaining so long the san«
guinary conflict, was to secure the removal of the bag-
gage and heavy artillery with the stores of war, which was
briskly going on in the rear, while the roar of cannon and the
storm of death were raging in the front. The sentinels of both
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EETREAT TR^^M RHODE ISLAND, 229
i^riiiitts were stationed at a distance of not more than seventy
rods from each other, so that it reqmredno small degree of gen-
eralship to cover the design of retreat from the suspicion of a
watchful enemy^ and render that retreat triumphant and success-
ful. On the 30th of the month, a number of tents were erected
in full view of the enemy^ and the whole army were apparently
engaged in fortifying and strengthening their present position ;
after the going down of the sun, they built a large number of
fires, extending nearly across the Island, to lull the enemy into
security, and cover from suspicion their intended retreat.
As soon as the surrounding darkness favored the design, the
tents were struck, and the troops with the artillery and baggage^
moved to the north, .embarked in then* flat-bottomed boats, and
were all safely landed on the main before the dawn of day. The
brave and generous de Lafayette, who returned from Boston
at the moment our troops were landing, was very greatly disap-
pointed in not having been permitted to share in the perils of
the action. Anticipating such an event, he had rode the dis-
tance of seventy miles in about six hours. Nor could he be
prevented from passing over to bring off the piquet and other
parties who covered the American retreat. This he effected
with such consummate prudence and self-possession, that not a
man was kft behind, nor the slightest loss sustained. This re-
treat, notwithstanding the failure of the expedition, reflected the
highest honor on the American commanders, and the wisdom
and skill by which it was executed, was applauded even by the
British ofiicers themselves.
The loss of the Americans, as stated by General Sullivan^
was,—
Killed ......... 30
Wounded ...... . 137
Missing ....... 44
Total , . . 211
Nearly 12t)0 Americans were engaged in the action, and they
nre said to have shown great firmness. The day after the
action, a cannonade was kept up by both armies.
A letter was received from General Washington, informing
laim (General SmlUvaaj) that a large body ^f troops had sailed
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230 HISTORY OF TtHODE ISLAND.
from New-York, most probably for the relief of Newport ; and
a resolution was immediatelj formed to evacmate the island.
The delay of a single day would,, probably,, have been fatal to-
the Americans ;. for Sir Henry Clinton, who had been delayed
by adverse winds, arrived with a reinforcement of 4000 men^,
on the very next day,, when a retreat,, it is presumed, would
have been impracticable.
The troops on Rhode Island,, under the command of General
Bmllivan,. on the 4th of August, were arranged as follows :r—
Yarnum's brigade,, including officers ,. 1,037
Glover's do.
ditto
. . 1,131
Cornell's do..
ditto
. . 1,719
Green's da
ditto
». . 1,626
Lovell's do.
ditto
. . 1,158
Titcomb's do.
ditto
. . 959
Livingstone'^s advance,.
ditto
. . 659
West's reserve.
ditto:
, . 1,025
Artillery .. o. »
dittO'
iount o ,
. . 810
Total air
, . 10,124
On HovembeF 28th,. 1776,, the day of General "W"a&hington%
retreat over the Delaware, th© British took possession of Rhode
Island.
The scenes which have been enacted on the island,, invests it
with peculiar interest, and should remind us, of the present
day, of the sufferings which our fathers endured, to- bequeath
to their children the. rich legacy of liberty and independence.,
The island has been consecrated by the blood of our patriot
sires ; and when we walk over the fields of caFnage^may we be
reminded of the value of the American Union,, and discounten-
ance every attempt made by fanatics, to weaken the ties whicb
liold us together as one people.
The British held position of the island, until the autumn of
1779, when Bir Henry OHnton, at New- York,, anticipating an
attack upon that place by the combined forces of America anci
France, dispatched a number of transports to bring off the
troops from Rhode Island, to strengthen his forces at New-
York ;. they embarked on the 25th of October, at the south end
of the i,aland3> an,d arrived at New-York on the 2.7 tlL.
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RESTORATION OF THE TOWN RECORDS. 231
On tbe day the island was evacuated, orders were issued by
the British commander, that the inhabitants of Newport should
keep within their houses during the time the royal troops were
passing through Thames-street, the route which they took to
the ISTeck, the place of their embarkation, on pain of death.
This injunction was strictly compUed with, so that those who
had the curiosity to see the invaders of their peaceful shores
march through their streets, stole a glance at them through the
crevices of their windows and doors.
The British burnt all the barracks at Port Adams, and the
hght-house at Beaver Tail, and carried off with them the Town
Eecords, consisting of the books of Eegistry of Deeds, the
Eecords of the Town Council, the Court of Probate, &c., which,
in their passage to New- York, were unfortunately sunk with
the vessel which carried them away, near Hell G-ate, and were
under water for several hours before they were recovered.
They were detained in New- York about three years, and when
they were afterwards returned to Newport, they were in a
damaged condition. Had they been copied immediately on
their recovery, many valuable documents might have been pre-
served, but having been neglected so long, they are now in a
dilapidated state, and of Uttle use.
On the arrival of Sir Henry Chnton, the last "William Ood-
dington, an aged and respectable gentleman, who held the
office of Town Clerk, not wilUng to remain in prison, left the
island, and went to Providence, there to reside until the army
had abandoned the enterprise, and left the State. It is to be
regretted that he had not taken with him the Eecords of the
town, instead of placing them in the hands of his friend, Walter
Chaloner, .who took them to New- York, and their fate has been
described above.
In 1782, the Town Council of Newport, having made apphca-
tion to General Carlton, the British Commander at New-York,
for the return of the Town Eecords, which had been taken
away at the evacuation of the town ; they, in December,
received by a flag of truce, the books and- papers, General
Carlton expressing his sorrow, '' for the damage the}^ had sus-
tained, from the sinking of the transport in Hell Gate, and the
long time they had lain (three years,) without examination."
The possession of the island for three years, by a strong and
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232 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
powerful foe, who treated its inhabitants as rebels against the
authority of their King, and consequently claiming the divine
right of his Majesty to whatever the royal troops should please
to possess, reduced the inhabitants to the greatest poverty and
distress. At this distant period, it is impossible to form the
least conception of the wretchedness and misery endured by
the inhabitants of the island at that trying period ; and nothing
but the providence of Grod sustained them in the hour of
peril ; they were, however, delivered from their enemies, and
ultimately achieved their freedom from the galhng yoke of
Eritish tyranny.
During the period of their stay, they had cut down and
consumed all the flourishing groves of forest trees, with many
of the most valuable orchards, and numerous ornamental trees,
which beautified and adorned the island, so that the inhabitants
w^cre entirely destitute of 'fuel. The wells at Portsmouth were
filled up, the houses on the heights of Middletown w^ere set on
fire by the General's order, and even the wharves, in Newport,
which at that period were built of timber, were torn up for fuel,
as the weather was so extremely severe in 1779-80.
It is estimated that nine hundred dwelhngs, besides ware-
houses, were destroyed, w^hile the British had possession of
Newport. The town presented a wide scene of desolation after
the evacuation, and it should be no surprise to the reader that
Newport has never recovered her former prosperity, when the
ravages committed by a lawless and infuriated nation are duly
considered.
Ehode Island was one of the principal points, and her spacious
harbor, capable of containing the whole British fleet, rendered
it a key of great importance, in pushing forward theiy schemes,
in the subjugation of the rebellious Colonies.
During the possession of the island by the British, the free-
men of Newport had held their Town Meetings, for choice of
representatives in the General Assembly in Providence, the
"'hornet's nest," as the British called it, agreeably to an Act
of that body, granting tbem permission to do so.
Middletown and Portsmouth held Town Meetings in Tiverton,
for the election of repTCsentatives to the General Assembly ;
but after the evacuation of the island by the enemy, that body
passed an act, empowering the town of Newport to resume
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ARRIVAL OF THE FRENCH. 2B3
their corporate powers, and choose Town officers, providing
every person should be excluded from voting, who had in any-
wise aided the enemy. The first meeting of the freemen for
the choice of officers, was held at the Eriends' Meeting-House,
in November, 1779.
In January, 1779, the sum of five hundred pounds of lawful
money, was granted by the Greneral Assembly, for the relief of
the distressed inhabitants of Newport ; and large contribu-
tions continued to be made for the same object, in this, and the
adjoining States.
The Greneral Assembly, at their June session, in 1780,
banished thirty-six persons from the State, and confiscated
their estates, for adhering to the enemy.
On the 10th July, 1780, .the French fleet, of seven sail of the
line and five frigates, with a large number of transports, and an
army of six thousand men, arrived at Newport, to the great
joy of the inhabitants. The fleet was commanded by the
Chevalier de Tournay, and the army by Count de Rochambeau.
The town was illuminated, and the arrival of the fleet and army
greeted with the fullest demonstrations of gratitude and joy.
Complimentary addresses were made by a committee of the
General Assembly, then in session, both to Admiral de Tour-
ney and Count de Rochambeau, to which they gave the most
spirited and patriotic replies.
In July, it having been ascertained that a large naval and
land force were destined against Newport, the inhabitants
associated, and formed themselves into companies, both for
the common defence, and also that the disaffected might be
known. The town was divided into four districts, and by a
vote of the freemen, the inhabitants were required to meet, and
sign articles of association ; and those who should not appear
at the place designated in the several districts, were to be
deemed as enemies of their country ; and all persons refusing
to take up arms against the enemy, were to be banished from
the place. It was voted that a copy of the list of disaffected
persons, ordered to be forwarded to the Council of War, be
also sent to General Heath, that if the British fleet and army
arrive, before any return is received from the Council, he may
know what persons the town requests should be removed from
the island. The fist sent to the Council of War, was called the
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234 HISTORY OF e.hode island.
•^ black list," embracing the votes of the town, that such persons
be sent instanter from the island, as inimical to the IJnited
States.
The militia from Connecticut and Massachusetts, were ordered
to the defence of Ehode Island. The expedition was, however,
abandoned by Sir Henry Clinton, even after having sailed from
New- York with a large fleet, and an army of eight thousand
men, as far as Huntington Bay, on Long Island, much to the
disappointment and grief of our magnanimous alhes, who were
prepared to give him a most warm and hearty reception.
It is painful to be called upon to notice a class of men, who
rendered themselves so obnoxious in the war of the Bevolution.
They were traitors to their country, and had no just claim on
the sympathies of the people ; they had flattered themselves
with the idea of the final triumph of the British arms, and,
consequently, sided in with what they conceived to be the
strongest party. But they were deceived, and highly disap-
pointed, and the name of traitor was affixed to their character,
and by that appellation they have ever been known. The
course pursued towards them by the town was just, and highly
commendatory. As patriots, warring for liberty, they could
give no quarter to traitors.
On the 20th of August, nineteen warriors of the Oneida
Indians, arrived in Newport, and dined with General Eocham-
beau and Admiral de Tourney ; they also dined with General
Heath, from all of whom they received presents.
Admiral de Tourney died soon after his arrival at Newport,
and was buried with military honors, in Trinity church -yard,
where a slab was afterwards erected to his memory, on the
north side of the church. The funeral procession is said to
have been grand and imposing, extending from his residence on
the Point, at the Hunter House, to the church-yard, one dense
mass of living beings, with the bands of music from the fleet,
playing the most solemn strains, was a scene of deep interest
to contemplate.
In March, 1781, General Washington, the saviour of his
country, arrived at Newport. He passed over from ihe main
by Con anient Ferry, and landed from his barge at the head of
Long Wharf As he passed, the French fleet, lying at the
back of the fort, fired a salute, and the army was drawn up in
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RECEPTION OF WASHINGTON. 235
order for his reception at the Long "Wharf. Washington, the
immortal commander-in-chief of the French and American
armies, never appeared to greater advantage than when he
passed over to Newport to review the French forces under
Count Eochambeau. He was received at the head of Long
Wharf by the French officers, at the head of 7,000 men,, who
lined the streets from thence to the State House.
" I never/' says a bystander now living, '' felt the sohd earth
tremble under me before. The iiring from the French ships
that lined the harbor, was tremendous ; it was one continued
roar, and looked as though the very Bay was -on fire. Wash-
ington, as you know, was a Marshal of France ; he could not
command the French army without being invested with that
title. He wore, on this day, the insignia of his office, and w^as
received with all the honors due to one in that capacity. It is
known that many of the flower of the French nobihty were
numbered in the army that acted in our defence. Never," said
the aged narrator, " will that scene be erased from my memory.
The attitudes of the nobles, their deep obeisance, the Mfting of
hats and caps, the waving of standards, the sea of plumes, the
long line of French soldiers and the general disposition of their
arms, unique to us, separating to the right and left, the Chief,
with Count Eochambeau on his left, unbonneted, walked
through. The French nobles^ commanders, and their under
officers, followed in the rear. Count Eochambeau was a small^
keen looking man, not handsome as was his son, afterwards
Grovernor of Martinique. Count Noailles looked like what he
was— a great man. But the resplendent beauty of the two Vios-
minels echpsed all the rest. They were brothers, and one of
them a General in the army, who bore the title of Count too.
Newport never saw anything so handsome as these two young
brothers.
" But we, the populace, were the only ones that looked at
them, for the eye of every Frenchman was directed to Wash-
ington. Calm and unmoved by all the honors that surrounded
him, the voice of adulation nor the din of battle had ever dis-
turbed the equanimity of his deportment. Ever dignified, he
wore on this day the same saint-like expression that always
characterized him. They proceeded from the State House to
the lodgings of Count Eochambeau, the present residence of
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236 HISTORY OF TwHODE ISLAND.
the heirs of the late Samuel Yerner, corner of Clark and Mary
streets. It was a proud day for Newport, to be honored with
the presence of Washington, a name dear to every American
heart.^'
A committee of citizens waited upon him on his arrival, and
presented him with an address, to which he politely rephed.
Committee's Address to his Excellency, George "Washington,
Esq., G-eneral and Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the
Thirteen United States of America,
Sir — The inhabitants of the ancietit town of Newport,
warmed with the purest sentiments of esteem and respect, beg
leave, through their Committee, to congratulate your Excel-
lency upon your arrival at this town, the capital of the State
of Ehode Island and Providence Plantations ; permit us to
assure your Excellency that words are inadequate to express
the joy which your presence has infused into the hearts of our
fellow-citizens. Happily guided by the Supreme Director of
the American Councils, your Excellency was placed at the
head of the armies ; our gratitude is greatly due to Heaven for
the protection of your Excellency^'s person through all those
scenes of danger and enterprise incident to war, and which
your Excellency has sustained with patriotism and fortitude un-
paralleled in the page of history.
We will not' cloud the festivity of this day by enumerating
the scenes of lawless rapine and devastation, which have so pe-
cuharly marked the steps of a tyrannical and rapacious enemy
in this town. The thought merely occurs, as it deprives us of
affording your Excellency some further manifestations of our
sincere regard.
Suffer us here, Sir, because we know it m.ust give your Ex-
cellency a most sensible pleasure, to express the happiness this
town has enjoyed with the army and fleet of our illustrious ally,
who have, by the wisdom and prudence of their commanders,
as well as their own most zealous inchnations, allied themselves
to us, not as soldiers only, but as friends and citizens ; armed
with a most righteous cause, engaged for all that men hold most
dear, what blessings may not America, under the auspices of a
kind and overruhng Providence, be led to expect from tb@
future exertions of your Excellency, the military ardor of the
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American troops, and an army and fleet of a most generous
and magnanimous alljj thirsting for glory, and eager to bleed
in the cause of hberty and mankind.
We congratulate your Excellency upon the late signal suc-
cesses of the American arms by land, and those of our alhes
by sea. May the succeeding campaign be productive of the
end of all our efforts— hberty, peace, and independence to the
United States of America, and happiness to all mankind.
CHEISTOPHEE ELLEEY/
WILLIAM CHANNINa,
WILLIAM TAGGAET,
SOLOMON SOUTHWIOK,
> Committee.
To which Gren. Washington returned the following answer:
To Christopher Ellery, Wilham Channing, William Taggart^
and Solomon Southwick, Esqrs. :
GrENTLEMEN — Among the distinguished honors which have a
claim to my gratitude since my arrival, I have seen with pe-
culiar satisfaction those expressions of esteem and attachment
which have manifested themselves in the citizens of this ancient
town.
My happiness is complete in the moment that unites the ex-
pressions of their sentiments for me with their suffrages in
favor of our alHes. The conduct of the Erench army and fleet,
of which the inhabitants testify in so grateful and so affection-
ate a sense, at the same time that it evinces the wisdom of the
commanders and the discipline of the troops, is a new proof of
the magnanimity of the nation. It is a further demonstration
of that generous zeal and concern for the happiness of America
which brought them to our assistance, a happy presage of
future harmony — a pleasing evidence that an intercourse be-
tween the two nations will more and more cement the union by
the solid and lasting ties of mutual affection.
I sincerely sympathize with you, gentlemen, in lamenting the
depredations suffered by the town while in possession of the
enemy, and heartily join you in those liberal wishes, the accora-
pKshment of which would soon more than restore it to its for-
mer flourishing condition.
Accept my acknowledgments for the polite and obliging
manner in which you have been pleased to communicate to me
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2B8 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND,
the sentimente of your fellow-citizens, and the assurance of my
warmest esteem for them and for you personally.
Newport, March 8th, 178L G-. 'WASHIN'G-TON.
The town was illuminated, the evening after his arrival at
Newport. Count de Eochambeau gave a splendid ball to Gen.
Washington, w^hich was attended by the most fashionable fami-
lies in Newport. This was the first interview Washington en-
joyed with the Erench officers, and it is said that he and the
Count de Eochambeau laid their plans for an attack upon New
York, which was disconcerted by the arrival of a large fleet
and army to the assistance of Sir Henry Clinton, under the
command of Admiral Eodney, About this time, Admiral
D'Barras arrived at Boston, and succeeded to the command of
the French squadron at Newport It was soon after decided
in a council of war, held at Wethersfield, Conn., by General
Washington, Count de Eochambeau, and other distinguished
officers, that the troops on Ehode Island (with the exception of
about five hundred to guard the works), should immediately
march to the North Eiver, to join the American army. Dur-
ing the whole period the French army was quartered in New-
port, such was their strict regard to the rights and property
of the inhabitants, that the whole amount of damage done by
them would not exceed one hundred dollars.
The pleasure which the French officers derived in mingling
with the pohshed society of Newport, has been already alluded
to, in the description given by Count Seguin in relation to the
fancy ball, which was given on the 3d of January, by the offi-
cers of the regiments of Eoyal Duex Fonts. In was an elegant
fete^ composed of the first rank in the society of the ancient
metropohs.
EXECUTION.
On the 1st of June, 1781, a sergeant of the French artillery
was executed at the south part of Newport, a httle back from what
was then called Huddy's Lane, now the Bowery near the Ocean
House, in presence of the whole army, who were drawn up in a hol-
low square for the occasion. The criminal on being brought to the
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SUCCESS OF THE REVOLUTION. 239
place of execution, had his right hand cut off and burnt by the
executioner, and he was then hanged. His crime was attempt-
ing to murder his officer. It appeared that in a fit of jealousy
he had in the night waylaid the Captain of his Company, and
after stabbing him repeatedly, had thrown him into an old cellar
at the corner of Denison and Spring-streets, where the Barker
House now stands. The officer was found in his wounded state
and conveyed to his quarters, and afterwards recovered.
The Frenchmen were very much smitten by the Newport
ladies, and many of them, it is said, lost their hearts. It is not
to be wondered at when we consider the elegance of person, and
the refinement of manners whicji preeminently distinguished the
fair sex in the past. Many romantic events have transpired on
the island, which if we should allude to them all, would increase
our volume beyond the ordinary limit which was designed.
The Chevalier de Fayelle, Aid-de Camp to the Marquis de
Lafayette, died very suddenly at Newport, as he was going on
board the French frigate Hermoine. He was buried with mili-
tary honors in Trinity church -yard.
The surrender of Lord Cornw^allis and army, to the united
forces of America and France, on the 19th of October, 1781,
decided the fate of the Eevolution, and was virtually the termi-
nation of the war ; for although several places of importance
were still in possession of the enemy, yet their days were num-
bered, and their destiny sealed.
On the 4th of March, 1782, the British ParHament, in the
House of Commons, passed a resolution declaring all as enemies
to His Majesty, and His Majesty's Kingdom, who should advise
to the longer continuance of the war in America. Preliminaries
of peace were entered into at Paris, in November, 1782, and a
definite treaty, in which Great Britain acknowledged the Sover-
eignty and Independence of the United States, was signed in
September, 1783.
In 1783, the British frigate Mercy, Capt. Stanhope, arrived
at Newport, on the 19th of July, from Hahfax. While at New-
port he married Miss Peggy Malborn, daughter of Francis
Malborn, sen., Esq. Capt. Stanhope was afterward Admiral,
and Knight of the Bath, and one of the Lords of Admiralty.
"We again shall have occasion to allude to this distinguished
individual.
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240 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
Francis Malborn, senior, was a native of Prince Anna county,
Virginia, and came to Ehode Island about 1758. He was a
ship-master in the employ of Godfrey Malborn ; he then en-
gaged in mercantile pursuits, and was a partner of the house of
E. & F. Malborn, well known as enterprising and successful
merchants in Newport, previous to the Eevolution. He left
two sons and three daughters ; one of his sons was the Hon.
Francis Malborn, who was representative and subsequently a
Senator in the Congress of the United States. He was a fin-
ished gentleman of the old school, and universally respected by
all classes of the community.
During the war of the Eevolution, although Newport, being
in possession of the enemy, had but few privateers engaged in
the deadly strife, still she furnished a number of distinguished
naval commanders, and a greater number of marines, perhaps,
than any other town in New-England, in proportion to her size
and population. It is supposed by those who lived in times
that ^'' tried men's souls," that Newport probably furnished a
thousand men for the naval service in that war, and that one-
half of these fell into the hands of the enemy, and died on board
a man-of-war, theForton prison, in England, or the old Jersey
prison-ship, which for the loathsomeness and terror of its dun-
geons, compared with the Black Hole of Calcutta.
A certain elegant writer, has said : " H^appy, indeed, and
thrice happy, were "Warren, Montgomery, and Mercer ; happy
those other gallant spirits who fell with glory in the heat of
battle, distinguished by their country and covered with her
applause. Every soul sensible to honor, envies rather than com-
passionates their fates. It was in the dungeons of our inhuman
invaders — it was in their pestiferous prison-ships that the
wretchedness of our countrymen still makes the heart bleed.
It.was there that hunger, and thirst, and disease, and all the
contumely cold-hearted cruelty could bestow, sharpened every
pang of death. Misery there rung every fibre that could
feel, before she gave the blow of grace which sent the sufferer to
eternity. It is said that poison was employed ! No ! there was
no such mercy there. There nothing was employed which could
blunt the susceptibility to anguish, or which, by hastening death,
could rob its agonies of a single pang. On board one only
of these floating hells, above eleve?t thousand of our brave coun-
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ANECDOTE OF JOHN MITRPHY. 241
trymen are said to have perished ! 'She was called the Jersey-
Deep and dreadful as the coloring of this picture may appear,
it is but a faint and imperfect sketch of the original. You must
remember a thousand unutterable calamities^ a thousand in-
stances of domestic as well as national anxiety and distress,
which mock description. You ought to remember them ; you
ought to hand them down in tradition to your posterity, that
they may know the awful price their fathers paid for freedom."
The naval commanders in that war were John Qrimes, Benj.
Pierce, Joseph Gardiner, William Dennis, James Godfrey,
Eemembrance Simmons, Thomas Stacy, GUver Eead, Capt.
Bently, Samuel Jeffers, John Coggeshall, William Finch, Capt.
Jaquays, James PhiUips, Ezekiel Burroughs, Isaac Preeborn,
William Ladd, Joseph Sheffield, Capt. Gazzee, and John. Mur-
phy. These either sailed from Newport previous to its posses-
sion by the enemy, or subsequently from other ports of New- ~
England, West Indies, &c. The privateers, though small in
numerical power and force, yet they constantly annoyed the
enemy, took many valuable prizes, and achieved some splendid
victories.
An anecdote is related of John Murphy, one of the command-
ers, which is too good to be lost. A Mrs. Webber, who kept
a boarding-house at the head of Stephens' Wharf, was a re-
markable neat woman, which was one of the characteristics of
the females of Newport in the past. It was her constant prac-
tice to scour her floor every week, and sand it in diamond form.
Paint w^as not generally in vogue at that period- She had on
that very day completed her task, w^hich proved to be rainy,
and the streets of course muddy. Murphy, knowing the fact,
and designing to play off a joke, salhed forth to the lower
market, and announced with much earnestness to the country-
men who had collected there, that there was a great curiosity to
be seen at Mrs. Webber's, viz., a ^' Whisthng Pig;" the crowed
instanter rushed to her house, and bolted into the room, inquir-
ing at the top of their voices, for the '' pig>" which brought for-
ward the lady, who on discovering the condition of her floor,
covered with mud, as may well be imagined, threw her into the
greatest rage, and the green-horns had to make their exit with
all possible haste, while Murphy amused himself with the joke,.
which he had so adroitly played off. He was the father/ of
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242 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
the late Capt. John Murphy, long an enterprising shipmaster
from Newport.
Capt. Oliver Eead of Newport, jus^tly deserves a place in the
history of these times. No sooner was inteUigence received that
the invaders of his country had commenced the work of destruc-
tion in the environs of Boston, than he left the quiet retirement of
home, and hastened to the rescue. He offered his services to his
country as a volunteer, and joined the American troops in the
vicinity of Boston. But the dull monotony of the camp was neither
suited to the character or habits of Capt. Eead. He soon left
the army and sailed as the commander of a privateer. His bold,
adventurous spirit exposed him to great dangers, and during
the continuance of the war, he was often in the power of his
foes; but the same merciful Providence which watched over
and directed the destiny of that event, watched over and pre-
served this bold and fearless patriot. After having been several
times taken prisoner, and suffered some ungentlemanly treat-
ment from his enemies, he .solemnly protested, if ever he com-
manded another vessel, to make atonement for the insults re-
ceived. He was no sooner released from his confinement, than
his friends purchased and fitted for him a new and well-built brig,
called the Eochambeau. In this brig Capt. Eead achieved several
victories, and took many rich and valuable prizes ; but he was
destined to see his favorite brig in the possession of his foes, and
himself again a prisoner of war, by the chicanery of one of his
youthful companions, who was a Loyahst, or, in common 'par-
lance of that age, a Tory. Gapt. Eead and his companions were
taken to New- York, and from thence transferred to the Jersey
prison-ship. He resolved, however, not to remain without
attempting his escape, if he perished in the attempt. He com-
municated his design to several of his companions, Capt. Isaiah
Cahoone, and Gapt. John Tower, of Providence, with one or two
others, who, with the same bold, daring intrepidity, resolved to
share the fate of Gapt. Eead. The only plan of escape which
afforded the least hope of success, was to seize the boat of the
prison-ship, and effect their escape under the guns of the vessel.
This plan, hazardous in the extreme, and full of danger, was
finally agreed upon, and they waited only for a fit opportunity
to present itself, when, at a concerted signal, they were to at-
tempt its execution. After waiting with impatience for several
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RECAPTURE OF THE ^PY. 243
days., Providerice seemed to favor tlieir design, and to grant
them a favorable opportunity for attempting their escape. Just
before night, the boat of the prison-ship returned from shore,
wad discharged her stores of provisions, when, at the given sig-
nal of Captain Eead^ his companions leaped after him into the
boat, cut away her painter, and made for the shore, amidst a
volley of balls. The darkness of the night, accompa.nied with
a driving snow-storm., which at that moment commenced, pre-
vented the pursuit of their enemies, and they fortunately landed
on Long Island during the night Captain Bead soon returned
to Newport, with a heart burning with revenge, especially
against his old schoohfellow, Crandall, the notorious tory. It
is said that when Eead was delivered up by Crandall, to the
officers of the Jersey prison-ship, he cast a withering look at
that reckless being, and said, '^ A short Kfe to one of us ! If
we meet again, and meet again we shall, one of us dies."
Capt, Eead was soon in command of another vessel, of about
an equal force with the Eochambeau, which was now com-
manded by the infamous Crandall It was not long before she
was descried, although newly painted, and disguised. Eead
prepared for action, and, as he approached her, hoisted Ameri-
can colors ; being hailed, he answered by a broadside, and at
the same time showed himself to the astonished Crandall, who
supposed him safely lodged in the Jersey prison-ship. The
conflict lasted for several hours, until almost every man on
board the Eochambeau was either slain or wounded. And
when taken possession of, the lion heart of even Captain Eead
was deeply affected. There lay the headless trunk of the
treacherous Crandall, surrounded by his fallen companions,
wdiile the deck was literaly covered with human gore. Cap-
tain Eead again entered his native port, accompanied by his
favorite Eochambeau. The brig was immediately repaired and
fitted for sea, when her bold commander again sailed on another
cruise. Captain Eead, having learnt off Sandy Hook that the
brig Spy of Providence had been taken by his Majesty's ship
Lyon, of sixty -four guns, and ordered to New York, resolved
if possible to recapture her. Accordingly, he moored his ves-
sel in safety, and kept on the look out, near the Hook. The.
Spy soon came in sight under British colors, cast anchor, and
waited for a pilot. Captain Eead, ^vith a few brave fellows txj
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244 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
man his boat, came alongside and offered his services as a pilotj
to take her to 'New York. His services were readily accepted,
and he took his position at the helm.
The wind favoring his design, he put her head for his native
town, and let her drive ; nor was the trick discovered until it
was too late. For as they were approaching near the place of
destination, the prize-master said to the pilot, '' Sir, we are go-
ing to New York, are we ?" The pilot, bowing very rv^'^pect-
fully, answered laconically, " No, Sir ; no. "We are going to
Newpon."
George W. Babcock, of Narragansett, who sailed from New-
port, was another distinguished hero, and was engaged in some
of the most obstinate battles during the war. In the spring of
1779, he sailed from Boston, and on the 16th of May he fell in
with, and succeeded in capturing afler an obstinate engagement,
a British privateer called the Tartar, a few days from Cork.
The Tartar mounted twenty-six guns, with a complement of one
hundred and fifty men ; but having previously taken and
manned several prizes, the actual number in the engagement
could not have exceeded one hundred and twenty men. The
crew of the Mifflin were principally from Newport and Narra-
gansett. Her first lieutenant, Mr. Timothy Coggeshall, was an
inhabitant of the Island. The battle raged with increasing viO'
lence for several hours, at a very short distance, and before the
deadly conflict was hushed, the vessels w^ere so near each other
that they could readily leap from one to the other. But the
British flag finally came down,, and Oapt. Babcock took pos-
session of the Tartar..
Two days previous to this engagement, he had fallen in with
and captured the British store-ship Elephant, which was con-
veying to England a large number of invalids, both officers and
piivates.. When Captain Babcock approached the Elephant,
and demanded that her colors be struck to an American priva-
teer, her proud' and haughty commander, although he knew he
could make no effectual resistance, refused to comply.
It is said that Babcock reasoned with him, and rernonstrated
against the unnecessary eff'usion of blood his obstinacy would
inevitably involve, for several minutes before he ordered his
men to fire. The engagement lasted but a feW' moments, before
the flag of the Elephant was struck; but those moments proved
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A PRIVATEER BURNED. 245
fatal to her commander, who fell, with six of his crew by his
side. The success of Captain Babcpck and his brave crew
had nearly proved fatal to th^m. The number of their prison-
ers had now so increased, as to render their situation far more
hazardous than the roar of the British cannon. The only alter-
native of safety that presented itself, was the dismissal of a
large number of them. Accordingly, after having received a
bill from the British officer, acknowledging the receipt of so
many prisoners of war, Captain Babcock put them on board a
prize-ship, and left them to pursue their voyage. The Mifflin,
after the engagement, sailed for France, and - the Tartar was
sent to Boston, where she subsequently arrived in safety.
It was not Newport and the Island merely, that suffered from
the British depredators ; but Tiverton, and Seconnet river, also
experienced the horrors of war. The English vessels that
guarded the entrance of the Seconnet river, and occasionally
came up nearly where the Stone Bridge now is, were a great
annoyance. Sometimes, however, they would get aground on the
Tiverton or Little Corapton side, where the water is very shoal,
and occasion much trouble to themselves; and, at one time, a
large privateer of the enemy was run aground on the shore at
Little Compton, just below^ the fi^irm. of Deacon Brownell, when
the enemy were obhged to burn her and make their escape.
Tiverton witnessed much suffering of a domestic nature during
the time the enemy were in possession of Rhode Island. The
people were often called to share their morsel with the suffer-
ing inhabitants, who from time to time came over, and who
came off at the surrender of the town of Newport, and hngered
about the opposite shore in hopes their stay might be short, and
they be permitted to go back and collect the remnant of their
property. A venerable and respected citizen of Portsmouth,
w^ho had held many important offices., remarked, '' I was but
seven years old when the British entered Newport; yet I dis-
tinctly recollect the state of alarm and constant excitement dur-
ing that period. My father occupied a small house, built on
his own land, about three miles equal distance from Bristol and
Howland's ferry. I have but httle recollection of what took
place, particularly, until one day when the Americans under
Sullivan were retreating from Ehode Island. A party of the
enemy came up to the house of an aged man, and commanded
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246 HISTOK.Y OF EHODE ISLANI).
Mm to draw water for them ; and while the venerable man. tot-
tered to the well, thej barbarously shot him in the back."
The Cory family seemed peculiarly a patriotic one ; two of
the brothers, Samuel and Parelon, were among the capturers
of Prescott. His son, Thomas Corey, m^arried a daughter of
Lieutenant Yf ilcox, one of those who went ahead in the enter-
prise of taking Prescott.
Fogland Ferry, at the period of the Pevolution, had a house
of entertainment near the end of the point, kept by Mrs. Sarah
Gray. Exposed as they were, the house was often the resort
of the British officers and soldiers, and their insolence was such
that Mrs. Gray often had occasion to exercise her authority to
keep them in subjection. She was a woman of uncommon
nerve, and sever daunted by the threats of the enemy. A Hes-
sisiU soldier, on one occasion, inauired for West India rum.
He was told they had none, but they could -furnish him with
some East Lidia. He rephed that he would have a glass.
The East Piver was often the scene of conflict. The Amer-
can troops stationed at Little Compton brought two cannon to
bear, one twelve and one eighteen-pounder, and poured so de-
structive a fire on the British frigate Cerberus,, which was then:
at anchor there^ as to compel her to slip her cables and to make
her escape.
On the return of peace^ the town of Newport was in ruins.
The storm of war had beat heavily upon her, and in the lan-
guage of Br. "Waterhouse, ^' she resembled an old battered
shield, long held up against the common enemy." According tO'
the estimate of a committee appointed by the General Assem-
bly for that purpose, it appears that the loss sustained by the^
inhabitants of Newport^ in the destruction of dwelling houses^
warehouses, &c.j. amounted to £124,798 13s. 5d.., silver moneyo
This estimate includes only the loss of private property sus-
tained by individuals. By an estimate of the number of inhab-
itants in Newport, taken by order of the General Assembly in
1782, there were at that time 4,912 whites, and 618 colored, in-
cluding 69 Indians— making the Avhole population 5,530.
This estimate, compared with that made by order of the
General Government in 1774, shows a decrease during the war
of 3,679. That estimate gave to Newport a population of
7;917 whites^ 1,246 blacks; and 46 Indians — m-.aking the suffix
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A VOTE OF THE TOWN. 247
total of 9,209. And this was supposed to fall considerably
below the actual numberj being underrated for the purpose of
escaping greater requisitions for men and money. If, as is sup-
posed, Newport once numbered 12,000 inhabitants, about one-
half that number was dispersed by the Bevolution.
No town had greater occasion of indignation towards the
British Government, than Newport. When she surveyed the
desolations brought on her once prosperous town by modern
vandals, it was not to be supposed that she should give the least
countenance to a class of men who had deserted her in the hour
of peril, and given their influence in support of the enemy. It
is a matter of pain to the patriot, that so many traitors to the
cause of liberty were found in Newport. They had vainly in-
dulged the idea that victory would yet dawn on the British
arms, and their prosperity follow as a necessary consequence.
But happily, they were disappointed, and their names cast out
as evil. After the peace, and when business began to resume
its former prospects, these refugees, who had fled their country
when their services were required, manifested an anxiety to re-
turn to Newport and resume their former position in societ}^
John Goodrich, sen., an American refugee, arrived at Newport
soon after the peace, and solicited hberty to settle there with
his family, and become an inhabitant of the town — offering, in
case permission was granted, to bring twenty sail of vessels,
and establish himself in mercantile business. But Goodrich
having taken an active part during the war, by fitting out priva-
teers, and other obnoxious acts against his countrymen, the town
voted by a large majority, that he should not be allowed to set-
tle in the place. He afterwards settled in Bermuda.
Many at this day would be ready to condemn the action of
the freemen of Newport, when the principle which governs
man in all his acts is founded on dollars and cents. But higher
and weightier considerations influenced their conduct ; they
had been engaged in a righteous cause, in defending their fire-
sides from the ruthless invaders of their peace, and they could
not readily forget the aid and comfort which had been furnished
the enemy, by a band of traitors, w^ho were legally and consti-
tutionally bound to put forth their efforts in the cause of liberty
and human rights.
It was no trifling matter which urged our fathers forward, in
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248 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
resisting British oppression, as every one must be sensible, who
has taken pains to investigate the subject. An able writer
has well remarked, " But these were not the beggarly and
servile conflicts between a red rose and a white one; not
whether a weak and inglorious bigot, or a wanton and aban-
doned debauchee, should be king ; they were not these tem-
porary bursts of misery, which now and then agitate the
WTetched inhabitants of Constantinople, and which an execution
will allay without exhibiting any evidence of its justice. They
sprung from that unbroken spirit, that wild and unfettered
boldness, that restless, that uncontrollable, that sublime love of
liberty, which sometimes, indeed, mistakes its means, but never
loses sight of its object, which, while it seems to endanger,
often secures that object, and which burns with undiminished
force, while one generous sentiment lingers in the human breast
to support it."
The part which the inhabitants of Newport took in the great
struggle for liberty and independence, renders their character
worthy of all praise. They had been early instructed in the
principles of liberty ; the minds that had colonized this island,
were imbued with the spirit of freedom, and labored to impress
it indehbly on the hearts of the people. They could not
passively submit to pohtical outrages ; they felt that they pos-
sessed inherent rights, which could not be trampled on with
impunity, and in the majesty of their strength they resolved to
conquer or to die. It was a noble resolution, worthy the name
of Ehode Islanders ; and by their zeal and devotion, aided by
Omnipotent power, they triumphed. And it is now the '' land
of the free, and the home of the brave."
The return of peace, once more, gave promise of prosperity ;
the inhabitants of Newport had the satisfaction of knowing that
they were free and independent, and that a motive now existed
for them to put forth their energies in endeavoring to recover
their former prosperity. Commerce once more resumed its
former activity, and the wharfs, which had been deserted, were
again in requisition; the sound of the hammer was now heard,
giving encouragement to labor. But so heavy had been the
blow which had fallen on the ancient town, that £he inhabitants
could not well flatter themselves of being able to arrive to that
commercial distinction, which she had once enjoyed.
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Aldermen.
^Common Council.
ELECTION OF CORPORATE OFFICERS. 249
In 1784, Newport was incorporated as a city, and on the
first day of June, of that year, the first choice of city officers
was had ; the following gentlemen having been chosen on that
occasion, viz. : —
George Hazard, for Mayor.
George Champlin,
Samuel Fowler,
Peleg Clarke,
Ohver King Warner,
Henry BHss,
Samuel Freebody,
John Slocum,
Eobert Stephens,
George Sears,
Nich.P. Tininghast,J
Peleg Barker, City Clerk.
This form of government being found more expensive, was
soon abandoned, and the old form of town government again
resumed, in March, 1787, which w^as a highly sensible and
judicious move.
An attempt was made a few years since, to revive the
charter form of government, but the freemen of the towm, in
Towm Meeting assembled, settled the quecvtion, and w^e would
hope, for ever.
It now became necessary to form a system of government,
embracing the great interest and common welfare of the several
Colonies. But in order to this, it became requisite for each
State to surrender a portion of their powder to the general
government ; and this must ever be the case, in a confederated
form of government.
In conformity to a resolution of the General Congress, all
the Colonies, except Ehode Island, chose delegates, to meet in
Philadelphia, in General Convention, for the purpose of
dehberating upon, and framing a Constitution.
It w^as owing to the state .of party feeUng in Ehode Island,
that she was not represented in that body. The motion made
in the General Assembly, for the appointment of delegates to
meet in Geiteral Convention, having been lost, by a majority
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250 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
of twenty-three against it. The opposition lay principally in
the northern part of the State.
The course pursued by Ehode Island, in her refusing to come
into the Union, is a gross reflection on her character ; and we
would hope, for the honor of Newport, that none of her citizens
aided in so rebellious an act, having given such convincing-
evidence of her patriotism and love of country.
Unhappily for the State, a certain class have been found,
opposing liberal principles, setting up a standard of their own,
which was in direct conflict with the spirit of republican insli-
tutions, and which, they flattered themselves, would ultimately
triumph. Hence, a want of co-operation has been remarkably
illustrated, in the various attempts at political reform, which
have so highly distinguished the age, and which God grant
may never cease, until the rights and liberties of every Ameri-
can citizen are secured.
At a meeting of the freemen of Newport, held agreeably to
the Act of the Assembly, on the fourth Monday in March,
1778, the day appointed for the several towns in the State to
hold town meetings, to consider the proposed Constitution, the
business of the meeting was prefaced by the Moderator, by
reciting the Acts of Government which were referred to the
decision of the people.
The Constitution was then read ; and the Moderator stated
the proceedings of the General Assembly upon it, since it had
been transmitted to them. He also informed the town of the
uniform conduct of their representatives, in endeavoring to
obtain the appointment of a Convention.
Several gentlemen entered into an investigation of the Act
of Assembly ; altering the mode of decision from that recom-
mended by the General Convention to Congress, and wdiile they
paid all possible respect to the Legislature who passed the act,
most unqualified terms. The meeting appointed a Committee
to draft instructions to our representatives, to endeavor to
have a Convention called. The meeting was composed of be-
the principle on w^hich it w^as founded was reprobated in the
tween three and four hundred freemen, yet eleven persons only
voted on the question, ten against, and only one in favor of the
Constitution.
In Providence, duly one person voted, and he in the negative.
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LARGE ISSUES OP PAPER MO^NEY. 251
la "Warwick, and Greenwich^ the Federalists, or friends of the
Constitution,' entered a protest against the alteration of the
mode of decision, as illegal and unprecedented. In Bristol and
Little Compton, there was a majority in favor of the Constitu-
tion. The other towns generally gave their voice against it ;
and not until compelled by the action of the G-eneral Grovern-
ment, did Ehode Island come into the Union.
The union w^as not effected until 1790, and until, by Acts of
Congress, the commercial relations of Ehode Island w^ere placed
on a footing with foreign commerce, exacting foreign duties and
tonnage from our vessels.
In January, 1790, an Act passed in General Assembly, for
calling a Convention of the State, w^hich met in ]S"ewport the
following March, when the Constitution was agreed to, and the
State came into the Confederacy.
The paper money system w^as formerly, if not now, a matter
of party controversy. Governors were elected or turned out
of office, as the different interests happened to prevail. The
commercial interest was invariably opposed to the system, as
it tended greatly to embarrass trade, and by its depreciation,
and constant fluctuation, great injustice grew out of the sys-
tem. Many took advantage of the laws, making it a tender at
par, to pay debts in depreciated money ; and creditors, who
had parted with their gold and silver, were compelled to
receive these shin-plasters, in return for their debts.
In 1710, the Colony of Ehode Island commenced the issue
of paper money, to defray the public expenditure of the war,
for that year, and after that period, new emissions were made
from time to time, as circumstances required. Sometimes
paper was issued to replenish the treasury, sometimes to loan
the people on mortgage, until the increasing amount issued ^
caused it almost constantly to depreciate in current value ; and
as the money depreciated in value, the emissions w^ere increased,
until about 1749, when the General Assembly were restricted
by Parhament from making any more, except under certain
limitations.
The various emissions, from time to time, were, at the time for
which they were issued expired, called in and sunk, they gene-
rally being made redeemable in some given time. It has been
estimated that in 1748, there was in circulation in this State, in.
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252 HISTORY OF KHODE ISLAND.
what was called old tenor, £500,000. By a report of a Com-
mittee to the General Assembly, in 1749, they made the out-
standing bills, at that time, £320,444 2s. 3 l-2d. By a report
of a Committee to the General Assembly, in 1764, in answer to
the inquiry of the Lords Commissioners of Trade, it appears
there was then in circulation, £30,000, in bills issued to carry
on the war, equal to £30,000 sterHng ; about two-thirds of
which sum must be called in and sunk in a j^ear from that time,
after which, they say, £13,000 only of the bills issued to defray
the expense of the war, will be in circulation, and these, with
the small remainder of old tenor bills that shall be outstanding,
will come to a final end in 1767.
By an Act of Assembly, Sept. 1770, the circulation of the old
tenor bills was prohibited. They were to be brought into the
treasury and exchanged for treasury notes, at the rate of £8,
old tenor, for one dollar. In May, 1775, the State having voted
to raise troops, issued £20,000, in bills, on interest, at two-and-
a-half per cent, and made them a tender for all debts, 6s. 9d, to
the silver ounce.
In August of this year, the continental bills, of which there
were beginning to be large emissions by Congress, were made
a tender at 6s. per dollar. Emissions of paper were now fre-
quently made by the Colony, and those persons who should
undervalue the bills, were declared enemies to the pubhc weal,
and every possible exertion was made during the Revolutionary
war, to sustain their credit and keep up their value.
In 1776, a Committee of the New-England States recom-
mended them to emit no more bills of credit, unless absolutely
necessary ; but to tax or borrow, and if they did emit money, to
issue bills on interest at four per cent. The General Assembly
approved this plan, and ordered £40,000 to be hired, in notes
payable in two years. In 1777, they ordered £50,000 lawful
money to be hired, and notes given on interest for the same at
four per cent.
These notes were at first made a legal tender, but was subse-
quently repealed, and all contracts were to be made in specie. In
1778 and 1782, acts were passed for consolidating the paper money,
and ordering all notes and bills to be brought into the treasury,
and interest calculated at six per cent from June, 1778, when they
were struck out of circulation, and new notes given on interest.
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MONEY DIFFICITLTIES. 253
On tb^ return of peace in 1783, there was very little gold and sil-
ver in circulation, and nothing to supply its place as a circulating
medium. It was customary for the merchants to pay the mechan-
ics and laborers in their employ, in tea, sugar, coffee, &c., which
they were obliged to take to market, and exchange with the
farmers for provisions. And so difficult was it to raise money,
that the farmers suffered greatly in having cattle taken from
them and sold for payment of taxes-
This State, from its local situation, was exposed, during the
war, to the frequent incursions of the enemy. These incursions
were repelled chiefly by the military of Ehode Island, under the
direction, and at the expense, (in the first instance,) of the State ;
by reason of which, Ehode Island incurred a much larger- debt
than perhaps any of her sister States, in proportion to her esti-
mated rate in the valuation of the United States.
A Committee appointed by the General Assembly, to inquire
into the state of the public securities, due from the State, re-
ported a debtof£153,047 15s.9id.,of which£106,976 lis. Skd.,
was on interest at 6 per cent., for treasury notes issued for sol-
diers' wages, depreciation of soldiers' wages, debts due for con-
fiscated estates, for money loaned, &c., &c. ; £46,071 4s. 6d. of
which was on interest at 4 per cent., and was for debts due
from Government, in 1777.
In May, 1 786, the paper money party having prevailed, and
chosen their candidate for Governor, &c., an act was passed for
emitting £100,000, lawful money, in bills of credit, and making
the same a legal tender at par, for the payment of debts. The 6
per cent, debt was consohdated by a scale of depreciation to real
money, at 6s. per dollar, and by an act of Assembly was to be
paid in the paper emission of 1786, at its nominal value, although
that had already depreciated to 48s. for a dollar. It was pro-
posed to consolidate the 4 per cent, debt, at 40s. for one dollar,
and payable in the same emission at its nominal value.
In October, 1789, the value of bills emitted in 1786, was made
fifteen paper dollars for one of silver. But gold and silver being
very scarce, and considering the impracticability of discharging
debts in specie, it was enacted that real estate of not less
value than £40, and personal property within the State, might
be substituted, in the payment of debts, under certain restric-
tions. The Governor in his Message to the General Assembly^
in October, 1791, speaking of the State debt, says :
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254 HISTORY OF EHODE ISLAND,
" This debt was wholly incurred during the late war, in the
€ommon defence of the nation."'^
After peace took place, as it was found by experience imprac^-
ticable to discharge it in the ordinary ijiode of taxes, in gold and
silver, recourse was had to paper money ; this was issued in
1786. The holders of State securities were required to receive
it in payment on penalty of forfeiting the whole amount of their
respective demands. Owing to the unhappy divisions that pre-
vailed, it suffered an unusual depreciation, but payments in
paper were made to nearly the amount of £79,000, and securi-
ties to the amount of about £48,000, were lodged in the Gen-
eral Treasury, in consequence of the requisition of the Legisla-
ture from bringing them in for the paper money. The specie
value of the payments thus made in paper, was only about one-
sixth part, or perhaps less, of the nominal value, from the great
depreciation of the paper money. And finally, at the rate of
about 15 for 1, it became indispensably necessary for the Legis-
lature to interpose • and as an appreciation of the paper at par,
in the greatly depreciated state, would have been productive of
as much, or perhaps more injustice, than its depreciation, the
Legislature had no alternative but to arrest it as it was ; to re-
peal the tender, and declare that it should finally be redeemed at
the rate of 15 for 1. And an act for this purpose, was passed
October, 1789.
In August, last year, Congress assumed $21,500,000 of the
debt of the several States, including in the assumption $200,000
of the debt of this State ; and as the sum assumed is charged
by the United States to the State from which it is assumed^
if the Legislature had not interposed, those who did not com-
ply with the requisition for receiving the paper money, would
have received the whole benefit of this assumption, and a reali-
zation of the greatest part of their securities ; while those who
did comply would not only lose five-sixths of their demands,
but must have contributed their full proportion to the paying
the whole amount of the securities, which had been confiscated
as before mentioned.
In obedience to acts of the General Assembly of this State,
of January and June of 1795, making provision for the transfer
of the stock of the United States, belonging to this State, to the
individual creditors thereof, the General Treasurer reported as
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MONEY DIFFICULTIES. 255
due for certificates issued for various kinds of debts incurred
during the revolution, and for consolidating the paper money,
and securities issued for paper money, and for sinking the 4 per
cent, notes, and including notes issued previous to the Revolu-
tion, &c., the sum of £503,594 76, of which five-sixths, or
$419,662 30, was issuable in certificates for funded stock of
the United States, and one-sixth, or $83,932 46, in State cer-
tificates unprovided for.
In February, 1803, the General Treasurer reported the above
$83,932 46, together with additional claims brought in, and
allowed by the State from time to time, making in all a regis-
tered. State debt of $163,163 71, which debt was afterward
from time to time reduced, until June, 1804. By his report it
appeared there was a balance of principal and interest then due
of $120,949 04, and in a subsequent report in 1807, he reported
$10,680 14 more of said balance as paid. But a large pro-
portion of said balance remains to this day unpaid.
The debt we conceive to be a just one, and the payment
should no longer be delayed to lawful claimants. These securi-
ties were received in good faith, and a portion of the demand
paid, which was a virtual acknowledgment of the debt ; and no
apology can be offered in thus withholding the balance from the
heirs of those who labored and toiled in their country's service.
The idea of repudiation, which in later years has become far too
common, both with the General and State Governments, should
receive the withering rebuke of every friend of his country. It
is unjust and cruel, and has no other justification than that
might overcomes right.
In 1784, the General Assembly passed an act, authorizing the
manumission of negroes, mulatto es, &c., and provided that no
persons, negroes or mulattoes, born in the State after the 1st
day of the year 1784, shall be slaves for life. The Assembly
^also repealed the clause contained in an act passed in 1774, per-
mitting slaves brought from Africa to the AYest Indies, on board
any vessel belonging to this their Colony, and that could not be
disposed of in the West Indies, to be brought to this State ;
and provided that in future no negro or mulatto be brought into
this State, to be sold or disposed of as a slave.
In 1787, the Legislature of Rhode Island passed an act to
prevent the slave-trade from being carried on from this State,
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256 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
and for the encouragement of the abolition of slavery altogether
within its jurisdiction.
"We have already alluded to this subject in another part of
this work, and have shown that the motive for manumitting
the slaves of Rhode Island, was simply that their owners had
become convinced that they were no longer profitable, but a bur-
den upon them. It was not that there existed more moral purity
in Rhode Island, a greater disregard of pecuniary advantage,
than was to be found in slaveholding States, that influenced
them to this course, but rather that it would be for their inter-
est to do away with a system which entailed far more misery
than good.
To the honor of TsTew^port, it has never joined in a crusade
against the South, but admitted that the institutions of the
South \vas a matter which belonged exclusively to themselves ;
and any interference with their domestic concerns, was illegal,
unconstitutional, and subversive of that Union, which it should
be the bounden duty of every American to sustain and to per-
petuate.
A class of men have lately sprung up who have made the dis-
covery, . that the law^s of Congress conflict with the '^ higher
law^'^ and that this being the case the former should be trampled
under foot, while the latter should govern man, (only, however,
in this particular.) Now, who are these '' Simon-pures ?" Will
it be found on examination that their general conduct is shaped
after the moral law of God ? In this one point they make use of
the " higher law," to effect their owm selfish purposes, without
the least regard to the principles involved in that law, which if
rightfully understood and faithfully executed, would afford
scope sufficient for the exercise of their philanthropy, in reliev-
ing the wretched and the oppressed at their own doors, without
turning aside to hunt out evils existing in slaveholding States.
That is a question which exclusively belongs to themselves, and
with which we of the North have no right to interfere.
The prophetic warning of the " Pather of his Country,'' the
immortal Washington, should be regarded with the deepest in-
terest by every true patriot at the present critical moment,
when attempts are making by a class of reckless, unprincipled
men, to distract, and divide the Union, the labor of ages :
" The unity of government, which constitutes you one people,
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FALLACY OF ABOLITIONISM. 257
is also dear to you. It is justly so ; for it is a main pillar in the
edifice of your real independence — the support of your tran-
quillity at home, your peace abroad, of your prosperity, of that
very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to
foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters,
much pains will be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken
in your minds the conviction of this truth, as this is the point
in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal
and external enemies, will be most constantly and actively,
though often covertly and insidiously directed, it is of infinite
moment that you should properly estimate the immense value
of your National Union, to your collective and individual hap-
piness ; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immove-
able attachment to it ; accustoming yourselves id think and
speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety and pros-
perity, watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety, dis-
countenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it
can in any event be abandoned ; and indignantly frowning upon
the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of
our country from the rest, and to enfeeble the sacred ties which
now link together the various parts."
After the reader has reflected calmly on the sentiments so
feelingly uttered by the sainted Washington, he must be horror-
struck on witnessing the gross outrages, the intrigue, and the
duphcity which is practised by political demagogues to effect
some sinister purpose. With a self complacency '' from the sub-
lime to the ridiculous," they will justify their acts of abomina-
tion, and still boast of their patriotism and love of country, even
while the blush of conscious guilt should mantle their cheek
But with an effrontery which defies any appeal to reason or jus-
tice, they will arrogantly lay claim to honesty of intention, when
it is self evident that not a particle of generosity, nobleness, or
patriotism, is to be found in the elements which go to make up
their character. When such sentiments are unblushingly made.
so repugnant to liberty and the rights of the Confederacy, viz.,
let the Union be dissolved, they should meet with a simulta-
neous burst of indignation from every patriot's bosom.
Newport, after having recovered in some degree from the
losses incurred in the Eevolution, began to push her foreign and
domestic commerce. She still bad many enterprising merchants
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258 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
left, of whom were Gibbs & Channingj who were large ship-
owners. The Mount Hope, of 600 tons, which at that day was
one of the largest class of ships, followed the East India, trade,
and made many successful voyages.
The East India, West India, and Russia trade, were prose-
cuted with vigor, and the docks and wharves indicated a de-
gree of commercial prosperity highly gratifying to the inhabi-
tants. Now was again heard the music of the " ye-heave-ho,"
from the active tars who were loading and unloading the num-
erous vessels at the wharves.
Christopher and Qeorge Ohamplin, were merchants of dis-
tinction, as were also Peleg Clarke, Caleb G-ardner, Thomas
Dennis, on the Point, Stephen T. Northum, who at one period
owned ten 'sail, Audley Clarke, Christopher Eowler, Price &
Easton, Earle & Allston, Robert Robinson, Rhodes & Cahoone,
Bowen & Ennis, Simon Newton, John Coggeshall, and Gov.
Simeon Martin. These were all engaged in foreign commerce,
with many others whom we have not enumerated. There was
as much enterprise in Newport, at this period, considering her
capital, as that of any commercial place in the country. In
1820, the tonnage was estimated at 10,950 tons.
There was also a sugar-refinery, and seven distilleries in full
blast, which gave constant employment to mechanics and labor-
ers, many of whom were enabled from their savings to build
houses, and at the same time to live comfortable.
There was also a line of New York packets, with splendid
cabins, handsom.ely furnished for that day, which did a very
profitable business. Commanders and owners — Edward Pe-
terson, Nicholas Webster, Stephen Cahoone, two Blisses, Ad-
ams, John Cahoone (afterwards commander of the Revenue
Cutter Vigilant,) &c. Bannister's Wharf, which was then their
depot, exhibited a degree of activity which some now living
can remember with satisfaction and pleasure.
There were some five or six packets which ran daily between
Newport and Providence. Commanders — Gardner, Heath,
Bliven, Northup, Pratt, &c. The honor of bringing the Gover-
nor to election, when a Eederalist or Whig, devolved on Cap-
tain James Gardner, who took great pride in rendering every
attention to his passengers. Bannister's Wharf was also the
head-quarters of these packets. At the head of the wharf was
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THE COFFEE-HOUSE. 259
Godfrey Wenwood^s bake-house, noted for the superior qual-
ity of bread and butter-biscuit with which it supphed the nu-
merous packets, and many of the families of th-e town.
In Thames-street, fronting the wharf, was the OoffKse-House,
then kept by " Uncle Tom Townsend," a^ he was famiharly
called, which was liberally patronized. On the south side there
was a brick walk, enclosed with a light fence, which was a fine
promenade; here merchants, masters of vessels, &c., resorted
to hear the news, and discuss the affairs of the nation.
The Misses Duncan, from Scotland, kept a toy shop, the only
one in the place. It was considered quite a curiosity at that
day. It stood where Brownell's tin-shop now stands. Forts
Adams, Wolcott, and Eose Island, were garrisoned, and the
officers, when m town, assembled at Townsend's Corner, for by
that cognomen was it known, until superseded by the name
of Pelham-street. Then was heard from Fort Wolcott the beat
of the reveille, warbling its sweetest notes along the shore, by
those inimitable and graceful performers, the Hoopers, Mulli-
gin, &c.
The town at this period was on the increase;; many houses
•were built on the hill and in other sections of the town ; and old
English hospitahty seemed about to revive. The female por-
tion, at this period, were highly beautiful and accomplished.
The celebration of Washington's birth-day by a ball in the even-
ing, was then got up in taste, and was graced by the elite and
fashion of Newport, which exhibited traees of the elegance of
person and the refinement of manners which preeminently char-
acterized the past. But alas, those days of splendor have fled
— ^fled. In olden time, one of the most pleasant and gratifying
amusements was a ride on the Island to Congdon^s or Cornell's,
«peak for coffee, take a turn round the Square or to the Bridge,
and return back in time to enjoy the splendid repast furnished
by " mine host. ^^ It was no unusual thing to meet there a
<jompany of twenty or thirty carriages from Newport, including
Sam Place's hack, which was in constant requisition in sum-
mer ; and even at this kte period, we remember with delight
Aunt Hannah Cornell's " shovel cakes," floating with new made
butter, plum-cake, dried beef, etc., sufi^cient to satisfy the most
•delicate appetite, all furnished for the small sum of twenty-five
<}enta Mr. Congdo-n amassed a sufficiency to purchase him a
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260 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
farm in Connecticut, where he afterwards removed. The house
formerly kept by him has been taken down, and a new one now
supplies its place. Moses Lawton, Esq., is the present proprie-
tor, but the old associations have nearly vanished by the change.
'^ Out early days • Haw often back
"We turn on life's bewildering track,
To where o'er hill and valley plays
Tbe sunlight of our eayly day&."
The Spanish brig Minerva, Angel Cifuenter master, bound
to Bristol, E. I., was wrecked on Brenton's Eeef, on the night
of the 24th of December, 1810. The vessel was totally lost
Three pipes of rum and eight casks of Catalonia wine were
saved, as appears from the Custom House entries.
This event occurred in one of the most violent storms on re-
cord. It blew a perfect hurricane, accompanied with a driving
snovz-storm, which rendered it impossible to afford the brig and
crew the least assistance. It was truly solemn to hear the min-
ute guns, which continued their mournful sound as long as the
brig held together. Soon, however, the sound ceased, and the
crew w^ere submerged in the briny deep. Ten perished, includ-
ing every officer, and nine were saved. The shore was covered
with the fragments of the wreck, and its contents. There w^as
a large amount of specie on board, which was never recovered,
though attempts were made with the diving bell, but without
success. Three of the bodies of those who perished were re-
covered, viz.. Captain, mate, and cook, and were buried near
by, on the Castle Hill farm.
But no sooner had Newport begun to prosper than the politi
cal horizon began to be darkened, and war with Great Britain
seemed inevitable. Not being satisfied with having received
some severe chastisement, she was determined to invade our
rights by impressing x\.merican seamen, and by this and other
acts of hostility to. drive us to take up arms in defence of our
sacred liberties-, which our forefathers had fought, bled, and
died to acquire.. These acts were done in violation of treaties
entered into by the respective governments. Great Britain has
been justly chargeable with aiming to subvert and to overthrow
every government which was founded on the principles of lib-
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DECLARATION OF WAP.. 261
erty and the rights of man. This country stood forth, a beacon
light, to shame and confound the principles of monarchical forms
of government, and she vainly flattered herself that b}^ dividing
the North and South, she might yet effect the subjugation of
these United States. But if, when we were short of three mil-
lions of people, and without military resources, w^e could drive
them from our shores, what possibihty existed of their success ?
Only, as has been before observed, by dividing the Union. Let
Great Britain not imagine, for a moment, that the elements of
character which go to make up this confederacy can ever be
divided, when a foreign enemy attempts to invade our shores.
There may be differences of opinion among ourselves, but when
the third party attempts to use their influence, it will be hke the
quarrels of man and wife — ^both will fall upon her, and drive her
to destruction-
There are redeeming traits of character in this nation, which
do not exist elsewhere ; and the nations of Europe do not per-
fectly understand our political institutions. Hence, when coq-
troversy — it may be, angry controversy — exists in our national
councils, as has been the case of late, they stand ready to be-
lieve that the speedy overthrow of this Union is at hand.
When w^e consider, however, that the principles of our republic
originated with men of sterling virtue, of noble patriotism, we
have reason to believe that the God of heaven will preserve it
from every unhallowed touch, and render this nation an instru-
ment in His hands in the accomplishment of His purposes, in
the redemption of the world from a despotism vs^hich now holds
so large a portion of the great brotherhood of mankind, in its
iron grasp.
In 1812, the American government formally declared war
with Great Britain, when Newport was again exposed to all the
apprehensions of being visited by a hostile foe, whose ships of
war were frequently seen during its continuance, hovering round
her shores. A memorial was sent from Newport to the Gene-
ral Government, setting forth her exposed and defenceless con-
dition in case of an invasion. But little regard was paid to it
for we had hardly a corporal's guard from the General Govern-
ment. But fortunately, Newport was not much annoyed by
the enemy. Our militia and independent companies were all
that Newport had to depend upon for protection, for some time
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262 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
after war was declared^ the Government having drawn away
the United States troops stationed in the forts of her harbor.
But notwithstanding this impolitic measure^ the inhabitants
were resolved to repel any attempts made by the enemy, and
their forces were ever ready to repair to their posts, on any
alarm. One day, towards evenings the British fieet, which lay
but a short distance south of the Island, made demonstrations
as though it was their design to enter the harbor. The tele-
graph, which was erected on high land in the neek, gave the
concerted signal, and the inhabitants of the town were thrown
into great consternation. The mihtary were instantly mustered^
and with beat of drum, and swords flourishing^ and bayonets
glistening, they marched by the 2d Baptist Churchy who that
evening had a lecture, which so terrified the congregation that
they immediately broke up. It was quite a busy night, but
nobody was hurt. The ships wore about,, and stood off to their
usual place of rendezvous. The British ships obtained all the
provisions they required froni the farmers who resided near the
shore ; it was impossible for them, in their defenceless state, ta
prevent it. And if they had not sold it to them,, they would
have taken it by force. Fishing boats from Newport were
compelled to sell their fi'sh, or have them taken from them by
the enemy. It is said that they procured the newspapers wet
from the press, by which they obtained the weekly intelligencCo.
The principal seat of war lay South, while the North escaped
the horrors of war in a great degree.
On the 6th of December, the inhabitants of Nevv^port had
the pleasure of seeing the British frigate Macedonian arrive in
the harbor, a prize to the Ameiican ffigate United States, Cap-
tain Stephen Decatur. Her wounded were landed at Coaster's
Harbor, and conveyed to the hospital on the Island ; they re-
ceived every attention their situation demanded. At the com-
mencement of hostilities, the British blockaded the coast of
America — at first the southern coast^ but afterwards it extend-
ed as far north as the east end of Long Island Sound. This
gave the ports of Massachusetts and Eh ode Island the advan-
tage of the neutral trade, until the blockade of the whole Amer-
ican coast.
Newport for a while enjoyed a large share of the trade, and
the arrival and clearances of the neutral vessels,, the sale of
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BATTLE OF LAKE EPwIE. 263
their cargoes, &c., gave employment to many of her citizens.
The inhabitants of Newport took the precaution to send from
the Island the records of the town, made since the revolution.
They were deposited with the town of South Kingston, for safe
keeping, where they remained until peace was again proclaimed.
The Banks of Newport also removed their specie from the
town.
The late Commodore Oliver H. Perry, was a descendant of
Thomas Hazard, the first settler, in the sixth degree. Eay-
mond, father of the Commodore, was the son of Judge Free-
man Perry, who married the daughter of Oliver Hazard, of
South Kingston. The Commodore was named after his mater-
nal great-grandfather, Ohver Hazard.
Commodore Perry had a most expressive and charming
countenance, which, added to his graceful form, rendered him
an object of admiration. He possessed a noble spirit, a gene-
rous expansion of soul, and an understanding chaste and
refined ; while liberality, gratitude, and generosity, were the
aspiring virtues of his heart. He took the most lively interest
in the welfare and prosperity of Newport, and through his in-
fluence, many natives of the town were elevated to posts of
honor and distinction.
The present Commodore, M. C. Perry, brother of the late
naval hero, was born in Newport, Phode Island. This gallant
officer has distinguished himself in the Mexican w^ar, and he
alone of the five brothers, Ohver PL, Eaymond, Alexander, and
Nathaniel, all of the United States' navy, survives.
We have alluded to the pedigree of Commodore Perry, before
adverting to his naval career, which so highly distinguished
him, and added fresh laurels to his country's glory. In 1813,
he left New^port, with a detachment of seamen from the gun-
boats in the harbor, to take the command of the American
squadron on Lake Erie. On the arrival of Capt. Perr}^ at the
lake, there was no squadron there, and it was found that
measures must be immediately taken to construct a fleet,
which should be able to grapple with the British lion. Capt.
Perry had taken with him some ship carpenters from Newport,
and such was the rapidity in feUing trees, and preparing the
requisite materials, that the work was soon completed, and the
vessels ready for service.
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264 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
As this was a battle fought, and a victory won, principally
by natives of Newport, it requires a more particular notice.
It was on the 10th of September, 1813, when the struggle
between the British and American squadrons for the victory,
took place. It was a moment of painful anxiety, as, on the
issue, very much depended. The American squadron consisted
of nine vessels, carrying 54 guns; that of the British, of six
vessels, and 63 guns.
There was in all, five hundred and two men in the British
squadron, and deducting those on the sick hst, we know for
certainty that there were four hundred and fifty in health when
it went into action. The Americans numbered by the muster-
roll, four hundred and fifty, of whom one hundred and sixteen
were sick on the morning of the action. Say that sixteen of
these sick Americans came on deck and took part in the battle,
it would leave us with one hundred fighting men less than the
British.
The circumstances under which the battle was fought, gave
to the British the full benefit of their substitution of length of
gun for calibre.
Perry, before the battle commenced, went round the deck,
carefully examining his battery gun by gun, to see that every
thing was in order, stopping at each, and exchanging words
with the captains. For all he had some pleasant joke, or some
expression of encouragement. Seeing some of the Constitu-
tion's, he said to them, " Well, boys ! are you ready ?" " All
ready, your honor," was the brief reply, with a general touch
of the hat. '' But I need not say anything to you," he added,
'- you know how to beat those fellows !" Passing on, with a
smile of recognition, he exclaimed, '' Ah, here are the Newport
boys ! they will do their duty, I warrant.'' Having mounted
on a gun slide, and caUing his crew^ about him, he thus briefly
addressed them : " My brave lads," at the same time unfurl-
ing a flag, '' this flag contains the last words of Capt. liawrence 1
Shall I hoist it?" " Ay I ay 1 sir I" resounded from every
voice in the ship, and the flag was briskly run up to the main-
royal-mast-head of the Lawrence.
The line of battle was formed at eleven, and at a quarter
before twelve, the enemy's flag-ship, Queen Charlotte, opened
a tremendous fire upon the liawrence, the flag-ship of Commo-
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BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 265
dore Perry, which was stationed by the latter full ten minutes
before she could bring her carronades to bear. At length she
bore up and engaged the enemy, making signals to the remain-
der of the squadron, to hasten to her support. Unfortunately,
the wind was too hght to admit of a comphance to the order,
and she was compelled to contend, for two hours, with two
ships of equal force. By this time the brig had become un-
manageable, and her crew, excepting four or five, were either
killed or wounded.
While thus suiTOunded with death, and destruction still
pouring in upon him, Perry left the brig, now only a wreck, in
an open boat, and heroically waving his sword, passed unhurt to
the Niagara, of twenty guns. The wind now rose, and order-
ing every canvass to be spread, he bore down upon the enemy,
passing the enemy's vessels, Detroit, Queen Charlotte, and
Lady Prevost on the one side, and the Chippewa and Little
Belt on the other, into each of which he poured a broadside ;
he at length engaged the Lady Prevost, which received so
heavy a fire, as to compel her men to retire below. The
remainder of the American squadron, now, one after another,
arrived, and following the example of their intrepid leader,
now closed in with the enemy, and the battle became general.
Three hours finished the contest, and enabled Perry to an-
nounce to General Harrison the capture of the w^hole squadron,
which he did in this modest, laconic, and emphatic style, '' We
have met the enemy, and they are ours." The loss in the con-
test was great, in proportion to the numbers engaged. The
Americans had twenty-seven killed, and ninety-six wounded ;
but the British loss was still greater, being about two hundred
in killed and wounded.
The following persons, belonging to Newport, were engaged
in the battle, viz. : —
OFFICERS :
Commodore Oliver H. Perry,
A. Perry,
Daniel Turner ,
William V. Taylor,
Thomas Brownell,
Thomas Almy,
Thomas Breeze,
Peleg Dunham,
Stephen Champlin.
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266 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
PETTY OFFICERS AND SEAMEN :
George Cornell, Carpenter,
Wilson Mays, ditto's mate,
Lemuel Palmer,
George Southwick,
Joseph Southwick,
John Law ton, I
And many others, not recollected at this distant period
— Allen,
John Coddington,
Isaac Peckham,
J. Phillips,
Hannibal Cohns, colored,
The above list was furnished the author by Capt. Thomas
Brownell, w^ho, with the others, highly distinguished himself
in that memorable battle.
There was one individual who kept at a respectful distance
in the battle, and that w^as Commodore Elliott. While Perry
w^as engaged in the hottest of the fight, and had to abandon
the Lawrence, she having become unmanageable, and all of the
crew but four or five either killed- (5r w^ounded, Elliott labored
to pluck the laurels from the victor's brow, to grace his own ;
but his ungentlemanlike course of conduct, only tended to throw
him further into the shade, and exalt Com^modore Perry in the
estimation of his countrymen.
To show that Commodore Perry w^as not deceived in the
high opinion which he had formed of the '' Newport boys," w^e"
will give an anecdote, taken from the '' Life of Commodore 0.
H. Perry, by Alex. Shdell Mackenzie, U.S.N." *' There was
a young man from New^port, named Wilson Mays, and rated a
carpenter's mate. He was much reduced by the lake sickness,
and entirely unfit for duty : but, while the crew were going to
quarters he came on deck. He was directed to go below^, as
being too sick to render service ; but he remarked, th at the
vessel w^as short of men^ and that he could supply Mie place of
a well-man, by sitting on the pumps, where he was stationed,
and using the sounding rod. The poor fellow was killed in
that situation."
On the 4th of October, 1813, a small British privateer, called
the Dart, which had been hovering about the harbor of New-
port, was seen, having in company a ship, a brig, and schooner,
which she had detained. The revenue cutter, Vigilant, Capt.
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CAPTURE OF A FORT. 267
Jolin Cahoone, was manned with volunteers from lN"ewport, and
seamen from the gun-boats, and went out in pursuit of her.
They soon came up with and carried her, after a slight resist-
ance, and brought her into Newport. The first heutenant of
the Dart was killed. The capture of this privateer was un-
questionably the means of saving a large amount of property
from being captured.
The sloop Providence, a privateer of eight guns, and manned
principally by citizens from Newport, viz. : John Trevett^
lieutenant, Peleg Hull, saihng master, Edward Clanning, Henry
Olanning, John Scranton, &c. In the course of the war, she
captured many valuable prizes ; and, in one of her cruizes, she
entered the harbor of New Providence, when a detachment of
men, under the command of Lieutenant Trevett surprised the
fort, and there being but few men in the garrison, resistance
was useless. Scranton at once chmbed the fiag-stafi*, and flung
out the American banner to the breeze. They then dispatched
an order to the G-overnor, to furnish instanter a dinner for thirty
officers, or, otherwise, they would turn the guns and batter
down the town. The order was quickly complied with, and
turtle-soup was one of the dishes provided for the occasion^
when the officers regaled themselves to their hearts' contenL
After remaining in quiet possession of the fort three days, they
then spiked the cannon, returned on board, and soon sailed out
of the harbor. It was an adroit and gallant movement, con-
sidering there were but twenty-eight men, all told, engaged in
the enterprise.
In the War of the Revolution, Ehode Island furnished more
men, in proportion to her ability, than any of the thirteen
Colonies.
A vessel, called the "Wampoa, loaded wHth Prench brandy,
was driven on the Narragansett shore by a British armed ves-
sel ; the inhabitants turned out to defend her from the British
boats, who were attempting to destroy her. The militia of
Narragansett succeeded in saving the cargo, which was brought
round to Newport, and sold.
A wealthy gentleman purchased a pipe of it, on account of
its superior quahty. The society of which he was a member,
had long considered that he was in the too frequent practice
of using alcoholic drinks ; a committee was accordingly ap~
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268 HISTORY OF EHODE ISLAND.
pointed to wait on him, and labor to persuade him to cease
from the evil and pernicious habit. He received them with all
that courtesy which distinguished the gentleman, and as the
day was unusually cold, and they had rode quite a distance, he
very soon ordered his servant to bring in some of the '' Wam-
poa." They partook of it very hghtly, but soon the effect was
quite visible, and they forgot entirely the object of their mis-
sion. At the next annual meeting there was a gift of $100,
which acted as a quietus, and the gentleman died in full fellow-
ship with the society.
In December, the President of the United States, in a
message to Congress, says, " The tendency of our commercial
and navigation laws, in their present state, to favor the enemy,
and thereby prolong the war, is more and more developed by
experience. Supplies of the most essential kind find their way,
not only to British ports and British armies at a distance, but
the armies in our neighborhood, with which our own are
contending, derive from our ports and outlets, a subsistence
attainable with difficulty, if attainable at all from other sources.
Even the fleets and troops infesting our coasts and waters, are
by like supphes accommodated, and encouraged in their peda-
tory and incursive warfare."
Much of this was to be attributed to the want of action, on
the part of the Federal Government, in not placing the coast
in a proper state of defehce. It has been already remarked,
that if the people had not disposed of their produce, for a
proper equivalent, that the enemy would have taken it by
force. An embargo was immediately laid by Congress on all
vessels, except neutrals, which were permitted to depart, pro-
vided they carried nothing with them but sea stores.
The embargo at once suspended all business, and the streets
of Newport wore a sad and gloomy appearance.
On the 30th of May, 1814, a Swedish brig, from St. Barts,
attempting to violate the blockade, Avas chased on shore by the
British armed brig, Nimrod, in the East Passage, on Smith's
Beach. The next morning the Nimrod came to anchor about
a mile from the shore, and sent a barge to set fire to the brig,
which they effectually accomplished. AVhether they sustained
any loss of life, was not exactly known. Every exertion was
made by the militia of Middletown, the artillery company of
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OCCUPATION OP FORT GREEN. 269
Newport, under the command of Colonel Fry, and a detachment
of seamen from the United States flotilla, to prevent it; but
having nothing but small arms with them, their efforts were
ineffectual. It would have been far more politic to have taken
the brass field-piece belonging to the Artillery Company, the
night previous, and thrown up a breast- work which would have
prevented the success of the enemy. The Nimrod fired about
200 cannon-balls, one of which killed Mr. John Smith of the
Middletown militia, took ofi" the leg of Isaac Basset, a seaman
belonging to the flotilla, and knocked down Oliver "Wood.
The skill and nerve of Doctor William Turner, was displayed
on this occasion, when the diicken-heart of another had failed.
He in a very few^ moments amputated and dressed the leg of
Basset, proving his superiority as a surgeon. The boys who
had assembled on the beach would, the very moment the shot
struck, commence digging them out of the sand, and some made
a profitable day's work of it, for Greene Burroughs was ready
to cash them.
A few days previous to this, the barges of the Nimrod had
chased two sloops on shore in the east passage ; but the militia
of Little Compton having assembled in considerable numbers,
they were prevented from taking possession of them. The
sloops were got off, and proceeded up the river.
In June, 1814, the G-eneral Assembly passed an act author-
izing the Town Councils of the several seaport towns to cause
the shipping to be removed from their wharves and harbors,
whenever by them it should be thought advisable. The Town
Council of Newport accordingly, ordered the shipping to be re-
moved, lest it should be an inducement for the enemy to visit
Newport.
In July, 1814, the Artillery Company of the town of Now-
port, under command of Col. Benjamin Fry, took possession of
Fort G-reen, at the north end of Washington-street, on the
Point, by order of the United States Government. The com-
pany, rank and file, numbered about one hundred and fifty men.
Col. Fry was to have the entire command of the fort, and the
company to be under the control of the Governor of the State.
While the company were in possession of the fort, they kept it
in fine order; the parade ground was gravelled, &c., by the
labor of the company, and they were ready to defend the town
in case of invasion.
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270 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND,
BARTMOOK, PRISON.
In the course of the war of 1812, one of the sons of Capt
Evan Malborn, was taken prisoner by the British and confined
in Dartmoor prison. He wished the keeper to take a note to
Lord Stanhope ; the keeper seemed greatly surprised at his
presumed acquaintance with so illustrious a personage ; without
condescending to enter into particulars, he urged the forward-
ing of the note, which was compHed with, and on its reception
Lord Stanhope repaired to the prison with all possible haste, in
his State carriage, attended by his servants in livery, when
orders were instantly issued for the Hberation of Mr. Malborn
from confinement.
Having lost his all, he stood in need of pecuniary aid, which
was quickly furnished by Lord Stanhope, who placed at his dis-
posal fifty guineas, in order that he might clothe himself in a
manner becoming his rank and as a relative of his wife. He
was then taken to his princely mansion, where he tarried for
a few weeks, enjoying the munificent hospitahty of the noble
Lord. When the period for his leaving had arrived, funds
were furnished, and a free passport granted him to America.
They were chased by a British man-of-war, and in the confu-
sion he forgot his passport, the vessel was run on shore, and he
at last arrived home, having, however, again lost his all, which
a moment's thought might have prevented. Lord Stanhope's
bust still occupies a place over the mantle-piece in the Malborn
bouse, now owned and occupied by James E. Newton, Esq.
The entrance to the harbor was also garrisoned about this
time, by the enlisted State Corps, under command of Col. John
Wood, father of Dr. Wood of the U. S. Army. These posts
were occupied until the proclamation of peace.
Provisions, in the time of the war, were extravagantly high ;
Hour sold for $15 00 per barrel, meal $2 00 per bushel, molas-
ses $2 00 per gallon, sugar and coffee 2s. per lb., and so in pro-
portion with all articles of merchandize. The difficulty of obtain-
ing every kind of articles, owing to the coast being so completely
blockaded, was one great cause of the high price of provi-
sions. As there was little or nothing doing in Newport, during
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SUCCESS OF THE WAR. 271
a great part of the war, it rendered the condition of the laboring
classes very trying. Newport had every reason to wish for the
termination of a war so injurious to her commercial prosperity.
On the 14th of February, 1815, the joyful news of peace was
proclaimed by the merry peal of bells, the roar of cannon, and
the display of the mihtary. In the evening, a most splendid
and general illumination of the town took place, and a display
of paper lanterns with emblematic devices, suspended in the
streets, which, notwithstanding the great quantity of snow that
had fallen, were thoroughly promenaded by nearly all the inhabi-
tants of the place.
This war, though of short duration, was signahzed by many
splendid victories, both by land and sea, and proved that Great
Britain was not invincible. Having been so long mistress of
the ocean, she felt an assurance that she should be able to sweep
the ocean of everything that floated, and capture our vessels
of war, whenever fortune should throw them in her way. But
in this she was most egregiously disappointed. The victories
of Hull, Decatur, Porter, and Jones, on the ocean, and Perry
and Lawrence on the lakes, evidenced to the British, that they
had an- enemy to compete with, who proved themselves their
superiors. The arrogance of the Enghsh nation has never been
equalled ; assuming to control the destinies of the world^ she
looked on this growing republic with jealousy, and flattered her-
self that she might yet be able to humible her pride, and subject
her to British domination.
At a meeting of the merchants, manufacturers, ship-owners,
and underwriters, in the city of Glasgow, in 1814, it was de-
clared by them : '' There is reason to believe, in the short space
of twenty -four months, above eight hundred vessels have been
captured by a power whose maritime strength we have hitherto
held in contempt. The number of privateers that infest our
coast, and the audacity with which they approach our shores,
and their success, is humiliating to our pride." And they fur-
ther say : " Our nation have declared the whole coast of America
in blockade, and it is mortifying that our ships cannot traverse
our own channels in safety. Insurance cannot be eflected, but
at an excessive premium."
The war of 1812, demonstrated to the British Government
our maritime power, and that it was a fruitless attempt to labor
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272 HISTORY OF HHODE ISLAND.
to overcome us, and we trust that England will learn a wise les-
son from the past, and never again attempt to come in collision
with America, whose power is gigantic, and whose overthrow
is impossible.
Ehode Island can justly boast of having furnished a Greene
for her country, in the w^ar of the Eevolution. who in rank and
generalship, was second to none, save the immortal Washington
himself And the war of 1812, brought forth and contributed
to her country's glory, the mighty energies of her gallant Perry.
Mr. Hunter, who was then Senator to Congress from Khode
Island, in a speech in the Senate of the United States, on the
resolutions comphmentary of Commodore Perry's victory, said :
'^ While I hold in my hand this resolution expressive of a nation's
gratitude toward this youthful Ehode Island hero, for his deliv-
erance of the West, I can point the other to the hkeness of that
illustrious Ehode Island veteran, (alluding to the likeness of
Gen. Greene, in the Senate,) who in the sacred war of the Eevo-
lution, saved the South, and accelerated and ascertained the in-
dependence of his country." '
The sentiments expressed by Mr. Hunter were truly patri-
otic, evincing his love of country, and that he gloried in the suc-
cess of the American arms over a foreign enemy.
The brilUant career of Commodore Perry was short. He died
in the 34th year of his age, August 23d, A. D., 1819, on board
the IT. S. schooner, Nonsuch, at the moment the schooner
was entering the harbor of Port Spain, in the island of Trini-
dad. He died of the yellow fever, contracted at Angostura,
M^here he had been transacting business for our Government.
His remains were interred on the 24th, at Port Spain, with
every mark of respect from Sir Ealph Woodford, Governor of
Trinidad, and the inhabitants of the place.
The body was landed from the John Adams, where it had
been removed from the schooner, under a salute of minute guns
from that ship. When it reached the shore, the Port of St.
Andrews continued the ceremony, until the long procession, ac-
companied by the band of the 3d West India regiment, playing
the dead march in Saul, reached the burial place. After the
funeral, the following card was pubhshed by the American offi-
cers :
" The officers of the United States vessels, John Adams and
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VIOLENT GALE. 273
Nonsuch, tender their grateful acknowledgments to the inhabi-
tants of Port Spain, for their kind and respectful attention to
the funeral rites bestowed on the body of their late Commander,
Commodore Perry."
The disposition manifested by all classes, was highly in uni-
son with their feelings, and merited their warmest thanks.
Commodore Perry, at the time of his death, was engaged in
executing the duties of a " highly flattering command, involv-
ing diplomatic and naval functions of critical nicety and impor-
tance." President Monroe, in his message to Congress in De-
cember following, referring to several acts and orders for the
protection of our commerce, and the suppression of the slave
trade, says, '' In the execution of the duty imposed by these
acts, and of high trust connected with it, it is with deep regret
I have to state the loss which has been sustained by the death
of Commodore Perry. His gallantry in a brilliant exploit in
the late war, added to the renown of his country ; his death is
deplored as a national misfortune."
The remains of Commodore Perry arrived at Newport from
Trinidad, in the sloop of war Lexington, and were landed on
Overing's Wharf, on Monday, Nov, 27, 1826, and on the follow-
ing Monday, Dec. 4th, were interred in the common burial
place, with the honors due to his rank and character. The mil-
itary companies of Providence, Pawtucket, and Bristol, attend-
ed the procession with the companies of Newport. The Govr
ernor, and other officers of the State, with several distinguished
naval and military officers, were present, and the vast assem-
blage of citizens testified their respect to the character of their
fellow-townsman. The State of Phode Island has since erect-
ed a monument in honor of the memory of this lamented and
gallant officer.
The 23d of September, 1815, was rendered memorable by a
most awful and destructive gale, which swept away and laid
prostrate almost everything in its course. The Newport Mer-
cury says : "The gale commenced early in the morning, at north-
east, and continued increasing in violence, the wind varying from
northeast to southeast, and southwest, until about eleven o'clock,
when it began to abate, and about one o'clock the danger from
the wind and tide was over." At Newport, the tide rose three
feet and a half hieher than it had ever been knowm before
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274 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
Two dwelling houses, and nine stores and workshops, on the
Long Wharf, were swept away by the violence of the wind and
tumult of the waves ; and those that withstood the power of
this desolating scourge, were rendered almost untenable, by
vessels, lumber, &c., driving against them. Several of the
stores carried away, contained a considerable amount of pro-
perty, nearly the whole of which was lost.
In one of the buildings carried away on the Long "Wharf,
five persons perished. The wharves on the Point, and most of
the stores with them, were swept away. The wharves in other
parts of the town, also, with the stores on them, sustained con-
siderable injury, and everything moveable on the wharves was
swept away. In some of the stores, the water was four feet
deep.
A large three-story store, containing hemp, flour, &c., was
lifted from its foundation, and floated into the harbor. The
steeples of the 1st and 2nd Congregational churches were par-
tially blown down, and the roofs of the Episcopal and First Con-
gregational churches were partly carried away. At the Beach,
the storm was sublimely awful ; the sea broke sixty feet, extend-
ing to Easton's pond. Mr. John Irish, who had repaired to the
beach to secure his boats and seines, was swept away and per-
ished.
The stone bridge, connecting the Island with Tiverton on the
main, was damaged to the amount of $20,000, and rendered
wholly impassable. The draw and toll-house were carried
away; a new channel, about three hundred feet wide, was
made at the West end of the bridge, and where the toll-house
had stood, the water was thirty feet deep at low tide. The
light-house on Point Judith was swept away, with several other
houses in its vicinity. The Khode Island Republican says :
^' So great and general has been the devastation of property,
that it is found impossible to give a correct account of the ex-
tent of the damage."
After the storm, it was found that the outside of windows
were covered with a fine salt, conveyed from the ocean through
the air. This was also noticed for many miles inland, after the
gale. The shipping in the harbor were driven from their an-
chorage, and went ashore. Some lying at the wharves, were
lifted on them by the violence of the wind and tide, and left
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INSTITUTIONS CREDITABLE TO THE TOWN. 275
there. Four sloops were thrown on the Long Wharf, and a
sloop loaded with wood went over the wharf into the cove. No
one, unless they had been a spectator of the scene, could form
an adequate conception of its wide-spread desolations. If the
tide had not turned as it did, it would have swept everything
before it.
INSTITUTIONS HIGHLY CREDITABLE TO THE TOWN.
There have been many improvements made in and about
Newport, of late years, and there are several flourishing insti-
tutions, highly creditable to the town. Among them the Sav-
ings' Bank, the Asylum for the Poor, and the Public Schools
stand the most prominent. The Savings' Bank of Newport
was incorporated by Charter granted by the Greneral Assembly
at the June session, 1819, and went into operation soon after.
It is a singular circumstance that the success of similar estab-
lishments in other places, induced a philanthropic citizen to pro-
cure every information necessary for the establishment of a
Savings' Bank in Newport ; when, by an article pubhshed in
one of the newspapers of the town, he invited those who were
inclined to favor the undertaking, to meet at the State House,
and take the subject into consideration. At this meeting, ten
or twelve persons only assembled ; they chose a chairman and
secretary, and the information that had been received was com-
municated. A coro^mittee of correspondence was appointed to
obtain further information from similar establishments, and the
meeting adjourned. There were several subsequent meetings,"
at which not more than six or seven persons, including the
chairman and clerk, attended. At these meetings, the commit-
tee of correspondence reported progress, and the meeting was
adjourned from time to time, until the charters, by-laws, &c., of
several institutions of the kind had been received, and every
necessary information obtained and reported by the committee
of correspondence. A committee of three was then appointed
to draft a charter for the Savings' Bank of Newport, and a pe-
tition to the General Assembly to pass an act granting it, and a
committee was appointed to obtain signatures to the petition.
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276 HISTOE.Y OF E-HOBE ISLAND.
and present it to Gleneral Assembly. Notice was given in tlie
papers when the next meeting would be held, and the object of
it ; and all who were favorable to the project w^ere invited to
attend. This caused a meeting of a considerable number of
citizens who were favorable to the undertaking, but who had
not before attended the meetings. They w^ere pleased with
the plan, and the progress made in the establishment, and
joined heartily in its support. At this period, a number of the
Directors of the Banks in Newport came forward, and used
every argument in their power to persuade those who origina-
ted the project, and those who had united with them, to aban-
don it — assigning as a reason, that there would not be sufficient
deposited to render it profitable. The charter was granted^
and at the first meeting of the Coi^oration, twenty-four Direc-
tors were chosen, all of whom, except one, accepted the appoint-
ment. At a subsequent meeting of the Directors, they elected
a President, and appointed a Treasurer and Secretary, and the
Savings' Bank of Newport went into operation. At the first
meeting of the Board, more than $1,000 had been deposited.
Since its estabhshment, hundreds of thousands of dollars have
been deposited, and occasionally withdrawn with interest, by
depositors. At this time, September, 1850, the number of de-
posits are near one thousand (nine hundred and eighty-six), and
the amount in deposits is $163,395. The depositors are chiefily
minors, girls out at service, laborers, seamen, and operatives in
the manufactories, saved from their earnings. The money de-
posited is invested in bonds and mortgage on real estate, and in
bank stock. The interest on the sum now in deposit amounts,
at 6 per cent., to over $9,800 per year. The institution, since
its establishment, has never paid less than 5 per cent, interest
per annum, to the depositors. At this time, and for some time
past, a semi-annual dividend is declared, of 3 per cent on all
sums that have been in three months after a dividend has been
declared ; that which is not called for is, at the end of three
months, added to the sum deposited by each depositor. The
institution is well managed, and has attained a high reputation
The philanthropic citizen who first proposed its estabhshment^
is a descendant from one of the ancient families of Newport^
born before the Eevolution, being now near eighty years of age.
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ASYLUM FOR THE POOR. 277
He was chosen as one of the first Directors of the Bank, and
has been annually reelected from that time to the present.
THE ASYLUM FOR THE POOR.
This is an estabhshment worthy of commendation and
praise, as a humane institution, highly creditable to the town.
The former Poor estabhshment was, for many years, an alms-
house and work-house connected. It was located on the west
side of the common burying ground, where the abject poor, the
lame, the blind, and the insane were sent by the overseers of
the poor. Those who were able to do something towards their
support, were employed (by the keeper appointed by the town)
in the work-house, in spinning, picking oakum, &c. To those
w^hose feelings of humanity induced them occasionally to visit
the estabhshment, the inmates always complained of ill fare,
and of not having sufficient food. Be this as it may, they were
meanly clad, and all who were sent there went stricken with the
idea that their next removal would be to the adjacent burial
ground. ^ A part of those who were able to hobble out, were
allowed daily, except Sundays, to roam the streets in their rags,
and the town was constantly, to its disgrace, infested with beg-
gars, to the great annoyance of the citizens and visiting stran-
gers. Those poor who could partly support themselves by
their Jabor, were allowed pensions by the town, of from fifty
cents to a dollar a week, to aid them in their support, which,
together with the alms-house expenses, occasioned a heavy tax
on the people, of which they complained, but knew not how to
remedy. It was for many years in contemplation to alter and
improve the plan of the establishment for the poor, and the
mode of their support. Many plans were suggested from time
to time, but none that met with general approbation ; they
were generally objected to, as being more expensive in their
erection and support than the town could afford. At length,
the same philanthropic and humane citizen who first proposed
the estabhshment of the Savings' Bank, and who by his perse-
verance had got it into successful operation, encouraged by the
fjivor with which it had been received by the public, after ob-
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278 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
taining information in regard to the establishments for the poor,
and the manner and expense of their support, in various places,
communicated the information obtained to those acquaintances
who were favorable to an improvement in the condition of the
poor, and proposed a plan which was approved. It was pro-
posed that a new house should be built for the accommodation
of the poor, in a suitable location, with land attached, on which
those who were able to work might be profitably employed ;
to do away with the odious idea of an alms-house ; to call it
" The Newport Asylum for the Poor" ; to abolish the pension
system, and oblige all w^ho required aid from the town to go to
the Asylum for their support.
This plan being arranged, a Town Meeting was called, at
which it was submitted for the consideration of the freemen ;
the meeting was numerously attended, and the plan was gene-
rally approved, and a committee appointed to visit several lots
belonging to the town, and also Coaster's Harbor Island, and to
recommend such a location as they should think most suitable
for the establishment.
The committee, at the suggestion of the projector of the plan,
first visited Coaster's Harbor Island, and after considering the
advantages and disadvantages of the place, unanimously recom-
mended it, on every account, as the most suitable place for its
location.
At a subsequent Town Meeting, the report of the committee
was received and approved, and a building committee appointed
to draw a plan of said building, and estimate the expense. The
edifice was to be built of stone, of which there w^as abundance
on the spot. The projector of the plan was one of that com-
mittee, and drew the plan and elevation of the Asylum, which
the Town adopted, and according to which it W' as erected, with
the exception of the cupola, which was objected to as an un-
necessary expense, but has since been added. The plan of the
building is considered admirably calculated for the purpose for
which it was intended, containing every necessary apartment
for the accommodation of the poor, as well as the family of the
keeper, and ample room for the whole.
Coaster's Harbor Island, on which the Newport Asylum is
erected, belonged to the Towm ; it contains about ninety acres
of upland, and the shore affords an abundance of sea manure.
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ASYLUM FOR THE POOR. 279
Those who are able to labor are employed upon the farm,
which is in a good state of cultivation, and the products go far
towards the support of the estabhshment.
The island is situated about one mile north of the compact
part of the town, and separated from it by water, which is not
fordable, about ten rods wide, which prevents the inmates of
the Asylum from visiting the town without permission.
The Asylum was completed, and ready for the reception of
the poor in 1822 ; before their removal to their new habitation,
they were well cleaned, and clad, and left their dirt at the old
estabhshment. The pension system was abolished, and all
those pensioners, who chose to avail themselves of the support
offered them, were removed to the new estabhshment. The
citizens of Newport have the pleasure to enjoy the complete
success of the new system, as an amelioration of the condition
of the poor, as well as a great saving of expense in their sup-
port ; and to see them well supplied with wholesome food,
comfortably lodged and clothed, and the town relieved from
the disgrace of having the streets infested with beggars, as
formerly, to the great scandal of the citizens and annoyance to
strangers.
No spot can be more charmingly situated than the one
selected ; it rather resembles the country-seat of a gentleman,
than an Asylum for the poor. Let the interior resemble the
exterior.
As this Asylum was estabhshed expressly for the improve-
ment of the condition of the virtuous poor, the vicious and the
unprincipled should be kept separate, and not suffered to asso-
ciate with them, or to eat at the same table. Let the Com-
missioners labor to make this institution a model, worthy of
imitation by every city and town in the country.
The whole establishment, including land, is worth about
$15,000. The Overseer of the Poor distributes the rent of a
lot of land, containing about seven acres, left by Mr. Ereebody,
and also the interest of the " Derby Fund," to such persons as
he may think proper. And, the Commissioners of the Asylum
distribute, in the same way, the dividends of one share in the
New England Commercial Bank, left by the late Mrs. Sarah
Eedwood.
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280 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
We have already alluded to the interest which was taken by
the town of Newport, in the promotion of education, as early
as 1640 ; and private schools have ranked as high in this place
as that of any section of the country.
The Newport Academy, Col. Levi Tower, Principal, had a
very extensive popularity. Students from the South, as well
as the New England States, were to be found under his instruc-
tion and guidance. The higher, as well as the common
branches of education were taught. In penmanship the pupils
excelled. Many of them are occupying places in counting-
houses, banks, &c., in the various cities in the Union. Once a
week, the older male scholars engaged in declamation, at which
their parents, and other spectators were present, and who were
both highly amused and gratified. It is no flattery to say of
Col. Tower, that the school under his supervision, has never
been excelled, if equalled, by any other in the State. It was
the ne plus ultra I
In March, 1825, the freemen of Newport decided, by vote,
to estabhsh free schools in the town ; and a Committee, in May
following, recommended to erect two school houses, to obtain
the Church school house, and thus estabhsh three free schools
in the town.
In 1820, a Committee of the town reported on a resolu-
tion of the General Assembly of this State, calling on the
several towns for information on the subject of free schools,
and recommended that the town instruct their representatives
in G-eneral Assembly, to unite their efforts, to procure an act
for such a general system of public schools, as in their wisdom
they may devise.
On the 14th of July, 1826, the corner stone of the town
school house, No. 1, was laid by Lieutenant-G-overnor Charles
Colhns. The Eev. Mr. Grammeh offered an appropriate prayer
on the occasion.
A Committee was appointed in April, 1826, to investigate
and enquire into money, said to be due from the town, for or
on account of school lands. In their report they say, ''The
undersigned, a Committee of said town, appointed on the 3d of
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REPORT ON SCHOOL LANDS. 281
September, 1825, to inquire into the evidence of the title of the
town of Newport to the Newtown, or school lands, on the sub-
ject of which lands a former Committee reported on the 16th
of May last, from which report, and other representations then
made, some of the freemen were induced to beheve that the
town received the aforesaid land as a gift, on condition to apply
the whole income to the education of the youth of said town,
and that the town was, in law and equity, bound for the faith-
ful performance of the same ; and as the town had sold most
of the lands in question soon after the Eevolutionary War, to
pay the debts of the town, they must now make good by
taxation the trust committed to them by the donor. It was
also reported by that Committee, that the town was indebted
to said education fund, in the sum of $51,283 34." The Com-
mittee, after detailing sundry acts and resolutions of the town,
relative to said Newtown or school lands, gleaned from the old
mutilated records of the town, among which is a report of a
Committee made to the town in 1763, which Committee say,
" Upon examining the town records, we found that the said
land was purchased by the town of one Bartholomew Hunt,
the 17th day of December, 1661, for which they gave him in
exchange a lot of one hundred acres, now lying in Middletown."
They say, '^ Thus it appears that the town, in the year 1661,
exchanged one hundred acres for the tract since called New-
town, or school land, being the property in question. If your
Committee were allowed in any conjecture respecting the
hundred acres exchanged, they submit the subjoined extract,
from ^ Callender's Centenary Sermon,' acknowledging at the
same time, that it is but a connection of remote and detached
circumstances, resting as much on possibilities as probabiUties."
The extract from Callender's Sermon has been already noticed,
in a former part of this work, showing that the town appro-
priated one hundred acres of land, for a school, for the encou-
ragement of the poorer sort to train up their youth in learning,
&c., at an early period of the settlement.
In March, 1827, the town passed an act to estabhsh a School
Pund, and appointed three Commissioners of said fund ; one
to go out every year, and a new one to be chosen in his place,
who are to receive all donations and bequests thereafter given
for public schools, as also the bequest of the late Constant
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282 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
Taber ; likewise all moneys received for licenses, auction tax,
and estates taken by the town for w-ant of known heirs ; and
directed that the remainder of the said Newtown lot be sold,
and the proceeds placed in the fund.
During the January session of 1829, theGreneral Assembly of
Ehode Island, appropriated $10,000 per ann., for the support of
public schools, to be paid over to the several towns, according
to their respective population, under the age of sixteen years ;
and authorizing the several towns to raise by tax, in each year,
as the majority of the freemen in Town Meeting shall judge
proper, a sum not exceeding double the amount to be received
out of the general Treasury. The number of schools have
since been increased.
On July 4th, 1826, Major John Handy read the Declaration
of Independence, from the steps of the State House, in New-
port, that being the place w^here, fifty years before, it was read
to the people by the same gentleman. The steps were deco-
rated with an arch of flowers. Major Handy addressed the
multitude as follows : " My respected fellow-citizens, — at your
united request, I appear before you in this public station, at an
age when it would seem advisable that I should remain a silent
spectator of the performances of this day, a day which, half a
century past, secured to us our independence and prosperity ;
and no nation more prosperous ! My own feelings on this
occasion 1 have sacrificed, to gratify your wishes. The recol-
lection of past scenes of the last fifty years, rushes in succession
on my mind, with a hope and belief that the mantle of charity
•will be throwm over my imperfections ; and under that impres-
sion I shall proceed to the performance of the part required of
me." After the Declaration was read, a hymn was sung in
the tune of ^' Old Hundred," the whole multitude uniting
their voices, with a fervency and zeal w^hich gave it a most
sublime and happy effect.
It is a most painful truth, and one from which the heart
recoils with horror, that the course which has been pursued for
a few years by a certain class, calling themselves Philanthro-
pists, has had an indirect tendency to nearly, or quite, obhte-
rate from the mind of the rising generation, all remembrance
of the glorious events connected with Americtm Independence.
Such profess to have the entire monopoly of all the benevolence.
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OUR NATIONAL JUBILEE. 283
but which is rather the product of ambition, a desire of self-
aggrandizement even at the expense of the liberties of the
"Union. The roar of cannon, accompanied with the soul-stirring
sound of martial music, animating the heart of every true patriot,
who loves liberty in preference to slavery, and the free exercise
of his mind to all the vain honors and distinctions which wealth
confers, if purchased by the relinquishment of his inalienable
rights, dearer by far to him than even life itself — has no charms
for such stoical minds.
We have no hesitation in saying that the abolition of the
Christian Sabbath, would not more effectively efface from the
heart all regard to the precepts of Jesus Christ, and render the
land a waste howhng wilderness, and the people mere heathens,
than the forgetfulness and neglect of observing the national
jubilee, would go to the overthrow of the liberties of this coun-
try. It is by a recurrence to the event that the flame of liberty
is fanned and made to burn more brightly on the^ altar of the
heart. Auspicious day ! let the mind of every American ascend
to heaven in triumphant songs of praise ! Let the bugle sound
loud and long, through the valhes and reverberate over the hills
of our dear native Isle : " Independence now 1 and Independ-
ence forever !"
No day in the calendar ever gave us such intense delight, as
the Fourth of July, when party spirit becomes merged in the
one glorious event. It was the social meeting of the American
brotherhood on the broad platform of universal liberty and the
rights of man. But in some sections how changed the scene 1
Shall the pohtical horizon continue to be dimmed by one cloud
to mar the festivities of the day ? Eather let us regard the
views entertained by the elder Adams, the Colossus of Ameri-
can hberty, and not suffer his prophetic language to fail of its
accomphshment :
*' When we are in our graves, our children will honor it. They
will celebrate it with thanksgiving, with festivity, with bonfires,
and illuminations. On its annual return they will shed tears,
copious, gushing tears, not of subjection and slavery, not of
agony and distress, but of exultation, of gratitude, and of joy."
Let us prize this bulwark of constitutional liberty, and dis-
countenance every attempt to undermine its foundation, in which
consists our glory, our happiness and our independence.
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284 HISTOllY OF KHODE ISLAND.
Major John Handy was a merchant of Newport. He was
the son of Charles Handy, Esq., a distinguished citizen of New-
port. He entered the Eevolutionary army, to defend the honor
of his country, and was promoted to the rank of Major. He
died in Newport in 1828, aged 72 years.
The late Thomas Handy, Esq., brother of the Major, was a
gentleman of dignified and courteous manners. He married
Mary, the daughter of John Henry Overing, an eminent mer-
chant of Newport. Mrs. Handy was truly a most estimable
lady, endowed with those rare virtues and accomplishments
which rendered her an ornament to society. Of a large and
highly interesting family of children, but four survive her. Mary,
who married her cousin, James Overing, of Westchester, N. Y. ;
Matilda, widow of Mr. Levi of Philadelphia; Eobert, of the H.
S. Navy ; and Augustus, the wife of Mr. Sinclair of the city of
New- York, a Counsellor at Law.
* These reminiscences, though highly interesting in their char-
acter, yet nevertheless recall to mind solemn and affecting
thoughts on the ravages produced by time, in the domestic cir-
cle, and should teach a salutary lesson of the fading and transi-
tory nature of all earthly glory. As the Handy family held an
important position in society, and was highly regarded, a mere
glance at their history we view as important in a work of this
kind.
General Charles T. James, whose recent election to the Sen-
ate of the United States has created such an unusual degree of
interest in the public mind, stands intimately and prominently
connected with Newport, and we have felt called upon to notice
his origin.
His grandfather John James, and his maternal grandfather,
Charles Tillinghast, settled in Newport at an early period. His
grandfather Tillinghast, was a devoted patriot ; he was in Sulli-
van's expedition on Ehode Island, and was subsequently seized
in his house at night by a band of British soldiers, and carried
off. His sad fate was never satisfactorily known ; it was, how-
ever, reported that he had died of the small pox.
Silas James, the father of the General, was born in Newport,
and although a lad, was also in the expedition with his grand-
father ; he afterwards removed to West Greenwich, where he
improved a farm, alnd was repeatedly elected to represent that
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THE ASIATIC CHOLERA. 285
town in General Assembly, and was also chosen Judge of the
Court of Common Pleas, which office he held for many years.
There were six of the name of James, engaged in Sullivan'a
expedition, which proves them to have been men of the right
stamp, aijid eminently fitted for that stormy period.
In 1827, the Newport Association of Mechanics and Manu^
facturers, appointed a committee to receive donations in books,
or otherwise, for the purpose of estabhshing a library for the
use of the members, and the apprentices of members. For more
than thirty years the funds of this Society, although never ex-
tensive, have been invariably and zealously devoted to the most
beneficial purposes. This Association, as far as its resource^?
would permit, has clothed the naked, fed the hungry, and in-
structed the ignorant. It has ever been rich in disposition to
do good, given to hospitality, and distributing to the necessities
of th-e indigent.
THE ASIATIC CHOLERA.
The Asiatic Cholera made its first appearance in August, at
Jessore, a considerable city about one hundred miles north
of Calcutta. After desolating some of the fairest portions of
Asia, it penetrated the northern part of Europe, and sweeping
over a great part of that continent, reached the British Isles.
It has mastered every variety of climate, has passed mountains
and swept over seas, proving equally fatal amid the burning
sands of Arabia, and on the frozen shores of the White sea ;
and in the space of less than fifteen years has swept off more
than fifty milhons of the human race 1
This dreadful disorder, two or three years previous . to its
appearance on this continent, was scarcely known to exist by a
great portion of the American people. It first began to attract
attention here, when it was known to have reached England,
and its destructive ravages in Paris created alarm ; but the hope
was entertained that the Atlantic would prove a barrier to its
approach. But when that barrier was passed, and it was known
that this destroying angel had begun its march of death on this
continent, a general consternation prevailed through the land.
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286 HISTORY OF EHODE ISLAND.
It soon reached Albany and New-York, from Canada, and
shortly spread dismay and death among the inhabitants of many
of our cities.
At the June Session of the General Assembly of Ehode
Island of that year, they recommended a pubhc fast. The pre-
amble of the act says :
" WhereaSj That scourge to the human race, the Asiatic
Cholera, has made its appearance on this continent, and as no
human exertions can effectually resist the approach of this threat-
ening pestilence which ' walketh in darkness and wasteth at
noon day,' it becometh us humbly and devoutly to acknowledge
our dependence upon, and to implore the aid of Him in whose
hand our breath is, and whose mercies endureth forever ; there-
fore,
" Eesolved, that Thursday, the 5th day of July next, be, and is
hereby set apart, as a day of humiUation and prayer to Almighty
God, that he would stay this plague, and avert the appalling
visitations of his judgments."
Newport was remarkably favored ; but few^ deaths occurred,
and those originated from imprudence. And it was remarked
that the health of our cities, other than this disorder, was better
than what is usually the case at the same season of the year.
In 1 849, when this disease again made its appearance in this
country, sweeping off very many in our larger cities, not one
instance of death from the disease occurred at Newport. And
when it is considered that there were some four thousand stran-
gers visiting at Newport, which, added to her own population,
made the aggregate of 13,000, it is most certainly an evidence
of the remarkable healthiness of the climate.
The present population of the Island, according to the census
of 1850, is 12,228, viz. : Newport, 9,963; Middletown, 832, and
Portsmouth, 1,833. The fertihty of the Island is, perhaps, un-
exampled ] this is owing, in a great measure, to the facihties for
obtaining manure, which consists of Menhaden fish and sea-weed,
which are abundant, and which seem particularly adapted to the
soil. The exports have consisted of potatoes, onions, apples,
pork, &c. Farms distant from New-^ort, are usually from one
hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars per acre, according to
their location and the quality of the soil.
The farms generally are small, having been cut up and
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ASYLUM FOR THE POOR. 287
divided from time to time. This, however, is preferable, as a
few acres, well cultivated, will yield far more than a larger
quantity, partially cultivated. It was the saying of Virgil,
" great farms to look at, and small farms for profit." As an
illustration of this truth, it may be found in the proceeds of the
model farm of the late Judge Child, of Portsmouth, which
contains about forty acres of land. It was stated to the author,
that he had realized $1000 per annum, independent of his living.
Farming is a most honorable employment, and the most inde-
pendent which can possibly be followed. It is said that when
the early Romans praised a good man, they called him an agri-
culturist and a good husbandman; and that on a certain occa-
sion, when a distinguished citizen of Eome was visited by a for-
eign ambassador, he was found cooking his repast of vegetables
raised by his own hand from his seven acre farm.
It must appear obvious to the mind which lias given the least
attention to the subject, that more land is held in possession
than is scientifically cultivated, and which is rather an expense
than a profit to the owner. If the farms on the Island were
still subdivided and parcelled out, it would not only increase
the population, but also be far more productive, as there would
be less land to manure, and a greater attention bestowed on the
subject.
Those seeking a country- place, may take for their creed, that
Man wants but little land below,
Nor wants that little dear.
The town of Portsmouth, a few years since, purchased a farm
containing about sixty acres of land, as an Asylum for the Poor.
It is most dehghtfully located, and every necessary comfort is
furnished the inmates, which their condition requires. It was
an act highly creditable to the town, as it went to amehorate
the evils of poverty, to which all are exposed in this wprld of
vicissitude and change. Dyre's Island lays nearly opposite the
Asylum.
Since penning these thoughts, we have met with the Report
of Thomas R. Hazard, Esq., on " The Condition of the Poor
and Insane in Rhode Island," in which he has presented a most
melancholy picture of the treatment of the poor in the Ports-
mouth Asylum. Por the honor of the town, if such be the pain-
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288 HISTORY oy rhode island.
ful fact disclosed, we would indulge the hope that an ameliora-
tion of their condition may at once be effected.
Let it not be said, that in the nineteenth century, and more
especially on the island of Ehode Island, where toleration has
been so highly enjoyed, that a want of principle exists towards
a class of unfortunate beings, who have such strong claims on
our sympathy and compassion. All are liable to misfortune in
this changing world, and the prosperous to-day may be in adver-
sity to-morrow. This shows the necessity for those having the
supervision of the poor, to treat them with that degree of kind-
ness which they themselves would expect, were they in the same
unhappy condition. And none can lay claim to the character
of a Christian, who do not feel called upon to soothe and miti-
gate the evils of poverty, so far as in them lie, which we con-
ceive to be the test of Christian character, agreeable to the
teachings of the Saviour, recorded in the 25th chapter of Mat-
thew.
Mr. Hazard has shown a commendable spirit, in thus devot-
ing his time and attention to the investigation of this most im-
portant subject ; which has already led to an improvement in
the condition of the poor, in many of the towns in our State.
God speed the day, when Ehode Island shall be found foremost
in every good work to advance the happiness of man. We take
pleasure in being able to state that a marked improvement has
taken place in the Portsmouth Asylum, since the publication of
Mr. Hazard's Report, and to him belongs the credit.
In 1808, a deposit of coal was discovered in Portsmouth, by
Doct. Case, of Newport. It was worked for a time, and then
abandoned. It was subsequently renewed by a company from
Boston, but being impregnated with iron, it was found difficult
to ignite. One of the proprietors called on a lawyer of New-
York, who was rather of an eccentric character, to recommend
the article, which he cordially did. But the certificate proved
to be such a one as would not be likely to advance the sale of
the article. It was as follows : " At the general conflagration
of the universe, the m^ost secure place to be found, would be
the coal mine at Portsmouth, R. I."
More recently a company from Providence have taken it in
hand, and have succeeded in finding a better quahty of coal.
For manufacturing purposes it is said to answer as well as the
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RECORD OF FIRES. 289
anthracite, and at far less expense. The excavations are very
extensive. Many families in the neighborhood nov7 burn it.
Since the mining operations were first commenced, a large
amount of capital has been sunk in the enterprise.
RECORDS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Heart Pire Glub was estabhshed about 1790. The number
of members was limited to fifty ; one captain, one lieutenant, a
treasurer, and clerk. The object of this x\ssociation was to
aid in the preservation of property in time of fire. An annual
dinner was provided for the Association, and the expenses were
defrayed by an equal assessment upon the members. No mem-
ber was to be excused, unless by a vote of the Club. The
return of the anniversary was looked forward to with great
interest, when all participated in the good things which a kind
Providence had furnished. The evening was spent in the rela-
tion of anecdotes and recitations, occasionally interspersed with
songSj and was the means of strengthening the bond of union
among the fraternity.
Perhaps there is no town of equal size where the inhabitants
are so careful of fire as ' Newport, and where the firemen are
more vigilant and active in suppressing it, whenever it occurs.
The estimate of losses for the last hundred years, is compara-
tively trifling, and when it is considered that Newport has
been settled for more than two hundred years, that not a
building was ever consumed in Thames-street, may well be
looked upon as almost miraculous. We question whether
another such instance can be found on record.
Insurance Companies may feel quite safe in taking riskes on
property in Newport. We would suggest, that it would be
good policy for the town to establish an Insurance Office, and
hence retain the premiums, which now go to build up other
places.
John W. Davis, Esq., Poreman of Engine Company, No. 1,
has kindly furnished the following valuable information, being a
statement, from the books of the Company, of all the Pires, of
any consequence, which have occurred in Newport, for one
hundred years, viz. : —
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290 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
FIRES FROM 1749 TO 1848.
1749. December, Ellery house, on the Hill.
1759. December, Goddard's house, on the Point.
1762. February, Eire on Long Wharf.
1763. September, Dillingham's shop.
1764. October 26th, Dr. Stiles' Meeting House, (the Central
now,) and Trinity Church, both struck by lightning.
1766. June 7, Colonel Malborn's mansion, on the site of J.
Prescott Hall's new house.
October 1st, Green's sugar house.
1769. June 28th, Malborn house.
1770. June 21st, Green's sugar house.
December 28th, Eodman and Dennis' houses.
1771. January 18th, Lyon's coopers' shop, Green's sugar
house, and sundry other buildings consumed.
August 1st, Cole's tanyard.
1763. Pebruary, Nicholas Easton's house.
1774. January 9th, Moore and Anthony's shop consumed.
1780. September 7th, Samuel Gardner's stock and fodder.
1781. July 13th, House of John Handy, in New lane, (now
Mary-street.)
1784. September 21st, Larken's barn, with five tons of hay
and one horse burnt.
1786. March 24th, M. Hookey's house, in Cannon-street.
1787. December 11th, John Hadwin's store, on Long Wharf
June 29th, David Melville's pewterer's shop, slight
damage.
1788. October 15th, Ebenezer Richardson's house, shght dam-
age to the roof
1789. December 2d, Noah White's blacksmith's shop burnt
down.
1791. April 16th, John Hadwin's. and J. Eichardson's.
1792. January 21st, Tanyard and bark-house of William Tripp,
and store of Governor Collin's consumed.
1795. November 17th, Jonathan Southwick's boat-builder's
shop burnt down.
November 24th, John Erazier's school house, shght
damage.
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ilEOORD OF FYR.es, 291
1797. August 7tli, Francis Brinley's ropewalk.
December 22d, Job Cahooiie's house, in Thames-streetj
slight damage.
1798. December 6th, Blacksmith's shop on I^ong "Wharf con-
sumed, and a man named Lewis was burnt up ^ also
houses owned by Capt G-eorge and John Shaw ; Mr.
SouthwicFs boat builder's shop torn down.
1800. October 25th, Mr, Delano's house and shed destroyed ]
also a negro man, belonging to Mr. Delano.
1803. April 22d, Nicholas Hart's barn burned down, corner
of Church and Spring-streets.
1810. March 11th, Captain Thomas Wkite^s house., in Churcb-
street, damaged.
October 14th, Jas. "Westgate^s bakehouse, slight damage.
December 17th, Mr, "Wilson's hoiise on the Point, slight
damage.
1811. April 13th, Stable in Broad-street, owned by Mrs, Pit-
man, occupied by Edward Simmons, burnt down.
1819. February 7th, W. S. N. Allan's bakehouse, on Long
Wharf, slight damage,
October 6th, Daniel W. Barker's house, in south part of
Spring-street, burnt down.
1822. April 7th, Peleg Battle's house, on the Point, slight
damage.
August 16th, JohnC, Almy's barn and dwelling house,
belonging to A, Bobbins, on Long Wharf, consumed.
1826. November 2!st, Boat builder's shop, and house of Jon,
Southwick, on Long Wharf, consumed.
1827. July 7th., Henry Buggies' distillery, considerable damage.
1829. January 3d, Joseph Joslen's school bouse, Church street,
sligkt damage.
1834. January 8th, Dr. B, W^. Case's house, foot of Parade,
slight damage,
March 22d, House belonging to the Seventh-day Baptist
Society, in Thames-street, shght damage.
1835, August 8th, Dry goods store, occupied by William P.
Hall, and owned by heirs of William Langley, and
now occupied by Anderson's barber's shop, shght
damage.
October 1 st, Newport steam factory, slight damage.
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292 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
1836. June 28tby Dry goods store of H. E. Brewster, (now
occupied by W. H. Peek,) goods damaged.
1838. February 2od, Carpenter's shop on Beach- street, owned
by Josiab Tew, consumed.
^February 28th, Dwelhng house in South Touro-street,
owned by the heirs of Anthony Dixon, consumed.
August 2d, Thomas E. Hazard's factory ; damage
about $10,000.
1840. January 1st, House in Elm-street,- occupied by T> illiam
Greenman ; damage $350.
February 17th, Store of D, S. Hallow ay, Ferry "Wharfy
damage $100.
1841. April 7th, Benjamin Chase's carpenter's &hop, damage
$200.
November llthy Silas H. Cottrell's workshop^ Thames-
street, damage $300.
1842. February i7th, John H. GilUat's new house, Touro^
street, damage $1000.
May 27th, E. "W. Lawton^s wood-house, nearly destroyed,
September 2d, Elder Henry Burdick's stable destroyed.
September 6thy Thomas Townsend's barn destroyed,
damage $600.
September 23d, Tower's school house, rear of Clarke-
street.
September 24th, Building near Bath road, destroyed.
December 16th, John Bigley's house. Bridge-street^
damage^ $200.
1'844. February 26th, Drying house, on "Woolen Mill "Wharfy
damage $250.
March 21st, Same building, damage $300.
1845. March 13th, AYoolen factory, damage $600.
August 3d, Ocean House destroyed ; loss $60,000. Ono
hfe lost.
1846; January 9th, Woolen factory, damage $200.
1847. December 26th, First Baptist Meeting-house^ damaged
$200.
1848. April 17th, Store on Ferry Wharf, owmed by Samuel
Carr, damaged $250.
May 19th, Store on Long Wharf, occupied as a boat-
builder's shop, damaged $650.
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NARRAOANSETT INDIANS. 293
1848. July 25th, Four boat builder's shops, and one dwelling-
house, on Long Wharf, destroyed ; loss $5,500.
October 4th, William A. Handy's house in Fair-street,
damaged $200,
THE NARRAGANSETT TRIBES.
We have in this v^ork labored to present the most interesting
events connected with the history of this Island. Undoubt-
edly the lapse of time has buried much of value in oblivion.
This was to be expected ; but sufficient has been recorded to
show the reader the distinguished position which Newport occu-
pied in the past, and of which there are some traces still re-
maining. When it is considered . that little more than two
centuries have elapsed since this Island was the residence of the
red man, when the war-whoop rang through the valleys and re-
verberated over the hills, when he stood erect in his own native
dignity, with the bow and arrow, the weapon of hiB defence,
and felt himself to be the rightful owsier of the -soil ; we ask,
where now are the origioal inhabitants, the native " lords of the
soil ?" Is the feeble remnant of the Narragansetts, now^ under
the protection of the State, all tlmt remains of this once noble
race of men ? But where are ihey ? Where are the villages,
and warriors, aud youths? the sachems, and the tribes? the
Imnters and their famihes ? They have perished. They are
consumed.
The wasting pestilence has not alone done the mighty work
No — nor famine, nor wan There has been a mightier pow^er^
a moral canker, w^hich has eaten into their hearts' cores — a
plague, which the touch of the white man communicated — a
poison, which betrayed them into a lingering ruin. They know
•and feel that there is for them still one remove farther, not dis-
tant, nor unseen. It is the general burial-ground of their race.
The colonizing of America at the expense of the sufferings
and final extermination of the aborigines of this country, is
painful and humiliating to con-si der, and detracts from that
pleasure and satisfaction which would otherwise be enjoyed.
From the report of a committee on Indian affairs in Rhode
Island, made to the General Assembly in 183.3., '' it appears that
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294 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
the whole number of all grades and conditions of the once ko-
■ merous and warhke tribes of Narragansetts (the only tribe now
existing in the 8tate)> was one hundred and fifty-eight. Of this
number, only seven were of genuine Narragansett blood, and
several of these have since died ; fourteen were half blood, and
one hundred and fifty -eight of different grades^ less than half-
blood, with twenty foreigners, who have no connection with the
tribe, except by marriage and other promiscuous intercourse."
Three thousand acres of land in Oharlestown, now in their pos-
session, is all that is left to them of their ancient domain.
^' Canonicus, Miantonomu I friends and benefactors of the
colony, thy nation is no more. Simple sons of the forest, the
lands of thy fathers have passed into the possession of the de-
scendants of those meUy whom, when weak, defenceless and
distressed, ye clothed, fed, and protected. And thou too,
mighty PhiHp, who fell fighting for thy native soil, the graves
of thy fathers, thy w^ives and children, and thy own loved
Mount Haup, — ^the white man^s foot now presses the soil once
trodden by thee."
The scene is too painful to dwell upon. "We turn away from
it in sorrowy deeply regretting their sad fate.
"We have already alluded to the principles which infiuenced
the minds of the early settlers of the Island, As Mr. Callender
properly observes, '^ they fled not from refigion, order, or good
government, but to have hberty to worship God, and enjoy
their own religious opinions and belief" Our fathers professed
to believe that
" There is in man an individual sovereignty,
Which none created might unpunished bind or touch,
A sovereignty unbound, save by the eternal laws of God,
And unamenable to all below."
And in matters relating to civil liberty, this great principle
was recognized and practiced. They admitted in their State
sovereignty, that the true and legitimate source of power, from
whence those in authority and places of trust derived theirs, to
legislate for the common good of all, was derived from the peo-
ple ; and by people^ they understood not the mere appendagas
of wealth, which are possessed but by few, as giving an exclu-
sive privilege to act^ to the exclusion of the masses^ but rather
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CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY. 295
that moral and intellectual possessions were the true character-
istics which went to make up the people. Incidental differ-
ences in men's circumstances and conditions were not regarded
as constituting a quahfication, or disqualification, to act in the
concerns of the government ; and this view of the case ren-
dered the form of government purely democratic.
We are aware that the idea has become prevalent in the
minds of a certain class, that the masses are unfit to govern ;
but we apprehend no danger, where the people are intelligent,
and educated to beheve that they are men — not merely in form,
but intellectually and morally so — and bound to love the insti-
tutions of their beloved country, and to aid in their preserva-
tion. Deny to them this right, and you at once generate a
band of villains, the counterparts of the Ishmaelites, '' who wdll
be against every man, and every man against them." It be-
hooves us, theHj to see to it that education is imparted to all,
irrespective of rank or condition, and to be careful that honest
poverty, where all the other requisite qualifications are pos-
sessed, is not overlooked, and that wealth be not allowed a com-
plete monopoly in all things.
The notion of the incompetency of the people to govern them-
selves, has bad its origin on the other side of the water ; and
its baneful influence and demoralizing effects have been severely
felt, sufficient to alarm every true patriot and friend of human
rights, and should act as an incentive to vigilance in guarding
our liberties — the birth-right of high heaven — and never, never
suffer them to be wrested from us by the rapacious cruelty and
injustice of designing men, who take delight in lording it over
the consciences of men.
Oppression is contrary to the very nature of man's being. God
created the mind originally free ; and it is an act of usurpation
which should be frowned down most indignantly, whenever our
natural rights are invaded.
The original settlers of the Island possessed, in a very high
degree,. the principles of civil and religious liberty, and to their
precept and example we may trace some of the same spiri*-;
which exists among the people at the present day. Our fore-
fathers had not only felt the hand of oppression in the mother
country ; but they had also experienced it from their lordly breth-
ren in Massachusetts, and hence they felt constrained to flee to
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296 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
a spot where the standard of liberty could be imfurled, and
under its broad shelter an asylum found for the persecuted and
the oppressed of every clime. "We trust that we shall not be
chargeable with vanity or prejudice, in reasserting that the peo-
ple of the Island were the most truly republican in their man-
ners; of any portion of the maritime towns of New England.
In this, we have the concurrence of enhghtened minds, whose
extensive observation of the world has given weight to their
opinions.
Among the earhest records of legislation in Ehode Island,
we find an act guarding the right of private opinion, and free
discussion. In the preamble, they say, " That to suffer the
civil magistrate to intrude his power into the field of opinions,
and restrain the profession or propagation of principles, on the
supposition of their ill tendency, is a dangerous fallacy, which
at once destroys all rehgious Hberty ; because he, being judge
of that tendency, will make his own opinions the rule of judg-
ment, and approve or condemn the sentiments of others, only as
they shall square with or differ from his own ; that it is time
enough for the rightful purposes of civil government, for its
officers to interfere when principles break forth into overt acts
against peace and good order ; and finally, that truth is great
and will prevail, if left to herself; that she is the proper and
sufficient antagonist of error, and has nothing to fear from the
conflict, unless by human power disarmed of her natural weap-
ons, free argument and debate."
Such sentiments are worthy to be inscribed, in letters of gold,
on our halls of legislation, showing the principles of liberty
which were ingrained in the hearts of the earl}^ settlers of this
Island. God grant that we, their descendants, may cherish and
perpetuate the sam.e glorious principles, and never prove recre-
ant to the sacred trust committed to our care.
Nor were thesp rights, nor any part of them, relinquished by
our venerable predecessors, when they entered the confederacy.
They surrendered no inahenable rights ; they made no compro-
mise of the liberty '' to know, utter, and argue freely," any of
the great principles of civil and rehgious freedom on which the
colony was founded. And when Ehode Island subscribed to
and adopted the Constitution of the United States, the voice of
freedom echoed from the halls of her convention, proclaiming,
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ASSENT TO THE CONSTITUTION. 297
■with trumpet tongue, '' that there are certain natural righrs of
which menj when they form a social compact, cannot deprive
their posterity, among which are the enjoyment of Hfe and Hb-
erty, with the means of acquiring, possessing, and protecting
property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.
That all men have an equal, natural, and inahenable right to
the exercise of religion according to the dictates of their own
consciences. That the people have a right to freedom of speech
and of writing, and publishing their sentiments ; that freedom
of the press is one of the great bulwarks of liberty, and ought
not to be violated.
" Under these impressions," say they, " and declaring that
the rights aforesaid cannot be abridged, and that these declara-
. tions are consistent with the Constitution, we, the said dele-
■ gates, in the name and in the behalf of the people of the State
of Ehode Island and Providence Plantations, do by these pres-
ents assent to and ratify the said Constitution."
Such sentiments as these are democratic in the highest sense
of the term, and should admonish those who would seek to cur-
tail in the least the liberties of the people, that they have for-
gotten their sires, and the sacred principles which they promul-
gated. Their names should be inscribed high on the roll of
fame, to be admired and esteemed by their descendants. As so
little has been said of Clark and Coddington, by writers who
have undertaken to dwell on the history of E.hode Island, w^e
have indulged more at length on their characters, in order to
place their names in the front rank instead of in the rear.
It is a most singular fact that the grave of Eoger Wilhams,
the founder of the Plantations, is unknown to this day.
In reviewing the past mercies of God towards our fathers,
we have abundant cause of gratitude, thanksgiving, and praise.
They came to this Island to rear the temple of civil and reli-
gious liberty. No selfish purpose actuated them in leaving the
fatherland ; it was not to increase their worldly honors that
they sacrificed home, with all its endearments. Higher and no-
bler considerations influenced them. It was to establish an
asylum where liberty, the birth -right of man, might be more
fully enjoyed than it was in the land of their birth.
And the principles which they cherished in their owm bosoms,
and which they scattered broadcast among the people, have
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298 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
been transmitted down to the present generation. Reflections,
however, have been cast on the want of intelhgence among the peo-
ple, as well as the looseness of ourrehgious principles, by a class
of bigots and sectarians. But the moral virtues which guided
the inhabitants of the Island were as pure and as unmixed as
those of any section of the country.
Dr. Mather, a little more than a century ago, said, " Ehode
Island was occupied by Antinomians, Anabaptists, Quakers,
Eanters, and everything else, but Eoman Catholics and Chris-
tians; and if any man has lost his religion, he may find it in
this general muster of opinions — in this Gawzzim of New Eng-
land, this receptacle of the convicts of Jerusalem, and the out-
casts of the land."
Now, to us of the present day, such intolerant and abusive
language, from a professed believer in Christ, sounds strangely
in our ears ; yet the age in which he lived is some apology for
his singular and unaccountable conduct. But no apology can
now be offered for the sensorious remarks which have often been
made in relation to our civil and religious institutions, by a class
of unprincipled bigots, w^ho view everything through a distorted
medium.
Considering her geographical extent, with the number of her
inhabitants, Ehode Island can justly lay claim to having pro-
duced as many distinguished minds as that of any section of the
Union. Call it arrogance, if you please to indulge such a thought.
"We feel called upon to frown down with the most sovereign con-
tempt, the interlopers who dare cast aspersions on her fair fame,
whether they be agents of religious bodies,or school teachers whose
pride has been elated by receiving the patronage of the people.
Ignorance at home, where they are best known, is profound
knowledge when the soil of Ehode Island is pressed ; and it is
owing to this cause alone, of strangers having been preferred to
enlighten the dark minds of Ehode Islanders, that the false im-
pression has been given.
"We trust, for the honor of the State, this disgrace will soon
be remedied, and the stigma of reproach wiped from our escut-
cheon. We have no wish to deny that w^e had our birth and
education on the Island of Ehode Island, where the glorious
principles of liberty were first taught, and where none is ac-
counted a deUnquent in matters of rehgion. Happy, thrice
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SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE. 299
happy spot ! we will cherish in fond remembrance those sainted
patriots, whose mouldering ashes now repose in the fairest gem
of the ocean. The hallowed influence of their principles has
leavened this mighty nation^ and neutralized, if not subdued,
the dark malignant spirit of bigotry and superstition, religious
intolerance and persecution.
Our fathers understood the true principles of government—-
they acknowledged the sovereignty of the people. This is the
basis of a republican form of government, and should be guard-
ed with the most scrupulous care, as on this hinge turns our
political freedom. Abandon this vital principle, and our glorious
temple of liberty, reared by the hands and cemented by the
blood of our patriot fathers, would crumble to pieces, and its
funeral dirge be chanted throughout the world.
This is an admirable feature in our Constitution, that a re-
dress of grievances lays with the people. Deny this position,
and you at once hurl us back to the dark period, when the land
was governed by a sovereign tyrant, at whose dictation the
people must bow and do fealty ; and the conclusion to which
we unavoidably arrive by admitting this political dogma, is, that
our Eevolutionary forefathers were a body of insurgents, and
throughout every step in the great moral and physical enter-
prise of attempting to break the fetters which bound us to
G-reat Britain, were wholly unauthorized by every principle of
justice and equity — and as an act of atonement for past wrongs,
should lead the nation at once to recognize the supremacy of
Queen Victoria, as the legitimate and rightful sovereign of the
land, and thereby wipe from our escutcheon the infinite wrongs
of which we have been guilty.
In the view of enlightened and liberal minds, they can never
tolerate the idea, that absolute power should be vested in any one
man, or body of men, to be exercised according to their discre-
tion, over the rights and liberties of others. It is an assumption
of power, which the light of science wherever enjoyed, will not
for a moment sanction. It must, however, be admitted that
there is a want of moral courage prevalent at this day, more
especially Jn the New-England States, which often gives to
minorities the complete ascendency. We feel called upon to
enter our solemn protest against such imbecility and weakness,
derogatory to the character of man, which threatens the over-
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300 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND,
throw of our social, political, and religious liberties, which have
been purchased at the expense of the blood of our fathers.
It is far better to suffer nobly the " pangs of outrageous for-
tune," with a mind free and untrammelled, than to bask in the
sunshine of worldly prosperity, a mere slave ; for slavery of the
mind is far more to be deprecated than that of the body. "We
are legally and constitutionally bound to respect our rulers,
whenever their acts are in accordance with the letter and spirit
of the Constitution. But when the principles embodied in the
Magna Oharta, are not complied with, that moment they tran-
scend the power lodged in their hands, and disregard the wishes
of their constituents, and render their acts obnoxious to the
people, and vox populi should be raised that their places may
be filled with better men, who will labor to promote the interest
of the whole people, and not legislate merely for the few.
DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLIC LANDS.
This age is distinguished in some measure by endeavoring to
grant facilities to the poorer classes, to enable them to subsist
more comfortably than they do at present ; hence the distribu-
tion of the public lands to actual settlers is now strongly advo-
cated by many whose patriotism extends beyond their own sel-
fish interest. And it behoves the Legislatures of each of the
respective States of the Confederacy to authorize their repre-
sentatives in Congress to use their influence in bringing about
this highly important and meritorious object, and not permit the
waste land to be monopolized by speculators. Many of the
8tates, to their praise be it said, have also passed the Homestead
Exemption Law, where the value does not exceed from five
hundred to a thousand dollars. This is a humane and chari-
table act, and should be followed by every state in the Union.
It is for the people to straighten what is now crooked, and to
right what is at present wrong. These should be made the test
questions in our future elections, as being of infinitely more im-
portance to the interest of the people, than the tiveecUe-diim and
tiveedle-dee. Let not a craven spirit continue to influence the
minds of the people of Ehode Island, for it is too humihating to
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SALUBRITY OF THE CLIMATE. 301
witness man, elevated as he is above all the works of God, fear-
ful of acting out the sentiments of his heart, for fear of the
opinion which some worm of the dust may entertain of him^
which may possibly endanger his temporary interest. Let the
language of David to his son Solomon, be regarded and prac-
tised, " show thyself a man V
In bringing this work to a close, let me urge on the minds of
the inhabitants of the island, the value and importance of culti-
vating a spirit of enlarged liberality. Suffer not the mind to be
influenced by merely selfish considerations, which are opposed
in their nature to the principles advocated by the early settlers.
Keep their example in full view, which will act as a stimulus in
urging you forward in the sacred cause of justice. The spot
which you occupy has been properly called the " Paradise of
America," in a physical point of view, and in the past it was so
in a moral and intellectual point of view. But, alas ! '' the gold
has become dim, and the most find gold changed. " The vener-
able Dr. Waterhouse has remarked : " Newport will be — must
be — the Bath of the United States, to which rich invahds will
retire for lost health. I often wish that I had some pleasant
spot or farm on my native Island, to which, if not myself, my in-
vahd posterity might resort to enjoy peace, health, and liberty."
Such were the views entertained by the venerable Doctor,
and which have subsequently been reahzed in the vast crowds
which now resort to Newport, to spend a few weeks during the
sultry heat of summer. Here the gentleman of leisure can find
exemption from the evils which exist in crowded cities, while a
rich treat is furnished the lovers of pleasure which can no where
else be enjoyed in the same degree.
This has turned the attention of the inhabitants to the build-
ing of large and spacious hotels, for the accommodation of the
numerous strangers who resort here, until it has in a very great
degree excluded every other kind of business from the place.
Such precarious business should not, however, be the sole re-
liance of the inhabitants, but secondary in importance. New^-
port, with her spacious and commodious harbor, should
enjoy an extensive commerce. Her situation is admirably
adapted to the whaling and fishery business, and it should be
remembered that commerce was the means of her former pros-
perity and glory, and its decay her downfall.
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302 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
We are aware that great and important changes have been
wrouglit in the country-places. Those once insignificant have
sprung into being, as by magic ; still it does not necessarity fol-
low, that Newport must remain forever in statu quo^ satisfied
with having the town a mere resort of strangers for a few weeks.
If this be the manifest destiny j why of course, the people must
passively submit.
It must, however, appear obvious to the mind that has given
the least attention to the subject, that the great depth of water
at Easton's Point, the northern extremity of the town, presents
facilities which are not enjoyed elsewhere. In many of the mari-
time cities, they often meet with obstacles which cause delay,
owing to the want of sufficient water to float the larger class of
ships, while here, at low tide, from eighteen to twenty feet of
water is found.
In this age of progress there appears to be a demand for a
still larger class of steamships, and it has been suggested that
in the lapse of time Newport may become one of the principal
depots for steam navigation. But this view of the subject is
highly improbable, as there is no market to be found tiere, and
merchants would not be at the expense of freighting their mer-
chandize to New -York, Boston, &c. The idea is too preposterous
to be indulged in for a moment. If these natural advantages,
which are possessed in so high a degree, are to be made sub-
servient to the prosperity of the place, it must be effected by
the enterprise of the inhabitants alone, and all Quixotic schemes
abandoned forever,
"We have not, in this work, attempted to draw comparisons
between the past and the present, but have rather preferred to
let the intelligent reader draw his own inferences ; for it must
be confessed that the moral, intellectual, and physical condition
of the place is so wholly and entirely changed, as to render it
painful to contemplate. "We can hardly realize that it is the
same place ; and many, who after years of absence have re-
turned, have found so sad a deterioration, that they have pre-
ferred a residence elsewhere. In fact, it is only in the past that
Newport appears interesting to a reflective mind.
The houseless, wandering descendant looks at the mansion of
his fathers and exclaims :
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LIST OF PRESIDENTS OF THE COLONY. 303
" Now thou standest
In faded majesty, as if to mourn
The desolation of an ancient race.'
We flatter ourselves that the work will be read with interest,
more especially by the inhabitants of the Island, as well as those
who are in the habit of resorting there to admire the romantic
and pictmxsque scenery, which is the great attraction of the
place. It will assist the reader to while away his leisure hours
in its perusal, and carry the mind back to the interesting period,
when the highly eminent characters which we have presented
figured on life's busy stage, who have long since retired to make
room for others.
A List of the Presidents of the Colony of Ehode Island and
Providence Plantations, under the first Patent ; and the
Governors under the second Charter. Collected from the
State Eecords.
PRESIDENTS UNDER THE FIRST PATENT.
From the year 1647 to 1648, John Coggeshall,
„ „ 1648 to 1649, Jeremiah Clarke,
„ „ 1649 to 1650, John Smith,
„ „ 1650 to 1652, Nicholas Easton.
GOVERNORS UNDER THE FIRST CHARTER.
From the year 1654 to 1657, Eoger WilHams,
„ „ 1657 to 1660, Benedict Arnold,
„ „ 1660 to 1662, "Wilham Brenton,
„ „ 1662 to 1663, Benedict Arnold.
GOVERNORS UNDER THE SECOND CHARTER.
From the year 1663 to 1666, Benedict Arnold,
„ „ 1666 to 1669, William Brenton,
„ „ 1669 to 1672, Benedict Arnold
„ „ 1672 to 1674, Nicholas Easton,
„ „ 1674 to 1676, Wilham Coddington.
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304 HISTOPvY OF RHODE ISLAND.
From the year 1676 to 1677, AY alter Clarke,
„ „ 1677 to 1679, Benedict Arnold,
„ „ 1670 to 1680, John Cranston,
„ „ 1680 to 1683, Peleg Sanford,
„ „ 1683 to 1685, 'William Coddington,
„ „ 1685 to 1686, Henry Bull,
„ „ 1686 to — — , Walter Clarke.
The Charter was at this period superseded by Bir Edmund
Andross, but it was again restored in 1689.
GOVERNORS AFTER THE RESTORATION.
From the year 1689 to 1690, Henry Bull,
„ „ 1690 to 1695, Johg^ Easton,
„ „ 1695 to 1696, Caleb Carr,
„ „ 1696 to 1698, Walter Clarke,
„ „ 1698 to 1727, Samuel Cranston,
„ „ 1732 to 1734, William Wanton,
„ „ 1734 to 1741, John Wanton,
„ „ 1741 to 1743, Eichard Ward,
„ „ 1745 to 1746, Gideon Wanton,
„ „ 1747 to 1748, Gideon Wanton,
„ „ 1762 to 1763, Samuel Ward,
„ „ 1765 to 1767, Samuel Ward,
„ „ 1768 to 1769, Josias Lyndon,
„ „ 1769 to 1775, Joseph Wanton,
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iPPEl^DIX
HISTORY OF THE CHURCHES
RHODE ISLAND.
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APPEIiDIX.
TRINITY CHURCH NEWPORT.
The following account is compiled from the Eecords of Henry
Bull, Esq., with Notes by the Eev. Francis Yinton, and ad-
ditional remarks.
Until nearly the close of the seventeenth century, there were
but two orders of Christians in the town of Newport, who
were organized, and regularly met together for the purpose of
worship, and those were of the denomination of Baptists and
Friends, or Quakers.
The original founder, and first principal patron of Trinity
Church, in Newport, was Sir Francis Nicholson. He was by
profession a soldier ; was Lieutenant-Governor of New- York,
under Sir Edmund Andros, and at the head of the Adminis-
tration of that Colony from 1687 to 1690, at which time he was
appointed Governor of Virginia, and so continued for two
years.
From 1694 to 1699, he was Governor of Maryland, after
which time he was again Governor of Virginia. He com-
manded the British forces sent to Canada, in 1710, and took the
important fortress of Port Eoyal. In 1713 he became Governor
of Nova Scotia, and in 1720, Governor of Carolina. He
returned to England in June, 1725, and died in London in
1728.
Mr. Lockyer, an Episcopal clergyman, commenced preaching
in Newport about the close of 1698 ; and by that means a
Church was gathered. He was doubtless procured by the
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B08 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
instrumentality of Sir Francis Nicbolson, who was then Gover-
nor of Maryland ; for the Eecords of Trinity Church fully
sustain the fact, that Sir Francis was its founder. The people,
and more especially the leading gentlemen of the town, were
well disposed towards this new undertaking, and a considerable
society was soon estabhshed, with sufficient strength and zeal,
aided by their generous patron, to build a handsome Church,
which was completed in or before 1702. '^ Handsomely,'' as
they say, '^ finished all on the outside, and the inside pewed
well, but not beautiful."
Thus far the Church had made its way without any aid from
the mother country. In the year 1702, when the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, was estabhshed and
incorporated in England, the Wardens of Trinity Church
applied to the Bishop of London, sohciting the aid of the
Society ; on which application the Eev. James Honyman was
appointed Missionary, in 1704, and sent over to this station.
The Society, as a further encouragement, sent also as a present
to the Church, a valuable library of the best theological works
of that day, consisting of seventy-five volumes, mostly foHo.
Many of these books are still in the possession of the Church.
Queen Anne presented the Church with the bell, which was
received here in 1709 ; about which time the Minister, "War-
dens, and Vestry, wrote to the Governor of Massachusetts, and
to the Rev. Samuel Miles, Minister of Boston, requesting each
of them to forward money, left in their hands for the Church,
by Sir Francis Nicholson, stating their present want of money,
to enable them to prepare for and hang the bell but recently
received*
Mr. Honeyman was a gentleman well calculated to unite his
own society, which grew and flourished exceedingly under his
charge, as well as to conciUate those of other religious denomi-
nations, all of whom he " embraced with the arms of charity."
In the year 1713, the Minister, Churchwardens, and Vestry,
petitioned the Queen for the estabhshment • of Bishops in
America, setting forth the great benefit that would result to
the church from such a measure. Mr. Nathaniel Kay, the
Collector of the Queen's revenues in Rhode Island, who after-
wards liberally endowed the school connected with this Church,
was among the signers of this petition.
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ERECTION OF A NEW CHtJECH, 309
111 the year 1724j Mr, Honyman writes to the Society in
England, as follows : " That there was properly belonging to
his ■ church in Newport, above fifty communicants, who live in
that place; exclusive of strangers. The church people grow
now too numerous to be accommodated with seats in the old
church, and many more offered to join' themfeelves to the
church confimunion." Mr. Honyman proposed to the church
menibers, the building of a new church, and subscribed £30
himself for that purpose. The people heartily concurred, and
he soon after obtained subscriptions amounting to £1000 of the
currency of ' the country; but it was estimated the building
Would cost twice that amount However, a sufficient sum was
raised, and-, in- the year 1726, the church was completed, and
Mr: Honyman held the service in it The body of the building
was seventy feet long, and forty-six wide. It had two tiers of
Windows, was full of pews, and had galleries all round to the
east end. It was acknowledged by the people of that day to
be' the most beautiful timber structure in America. The old
building was given to the people of Warwick, who had no
church of their own.
-We have every reason for beheving that the new building
was -erected ■ on the site of the old one, for the old one
appears to have been disposed of by gift, to make room for
the new, which would not otherwise have been done in a town
rapidly increasing in population, and in want of more buildingSc
At the time of which we are writing, 1724 to 1726, there were
Quakers and two sorts of Anabaptists in Newport, yet the
members of the Church of England increased daily; and
although there was not to be found alive at that time, four of
the original promoters of church worship in this place, yet there
was then above four times the number of all the first. Mr.
Honyman had under his care at this time, the towns of New-
port, Freetown, Tiverton, and Inttle Gompton.
■ The history of this Church has-been, thus far, principally
derived from the publicatipns of the^Society for Propagating the
G-ospel in ^Foreign Parts, and from Letters from the Minister,
Wardens, and Vestry, to Queen Anne, to the Bishop of London^
and to Sir Francis Nicholson, copies of which have been pre-
served = in the first parish records of the Church. The first
book of the corporation records having been lost, is a circum-^
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SIO HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
stance much to be regretted. The second book commences
with the date 1731.
A letter, written in Newport, and published in the " New
England Journal," Boston, September 3d, 1729, says, " Tester-
day, arrived here, Dean Berkley, of Londonderry, in a pretty
large ship. He is a gentleman of middle stature, of an agree-
able, pleasant, and erect aspect. He was ushered into the
town with a great number of gentlemen, to whom he behaved
himself after a very complaisant manner. 'Tis said he proposes
to tarry here with his family about three months."
The connection of Dean Berkley with Trinity Church, calls
for a passing notice of his sojourn in Newport, where he arrived
by a circumstance purely incidental. He, with other gentle-
men, his associates, were bound to Bermuda, with the intention
of establishing there a college, for the education of the Indian
youth of this country ; a plan, however, which wholly failed.
The captain of the ship in which he sailed could not find the
island of Bermuda, and having given up the search after it,
steered northward, until they discovered land unknown to
them, and which they supposed to be inhabited only by savages.
On making a signal, however, two men came on board from
Block Island, in the character of pilots, who, on inquiry,
informed them the harbor and town of Newport were near ;
that in the town there was an Episcopal Church, the Minister of
which was Mr. James Honyman, on which they proceeded for
Newport, but an adverse wind caused them to run into the
west passage, where the ship came to anchor. The Dean wrote
a letter to Mr, Honyman, which the pilots took on shore at
Conanicut Island, and called on a Mr. Gardner and Mr. Mar-
tin, two members of Mr. Honyman's Church, informing them
that a great dignitary of the Church of England, called a Dean,
was on board the ship, together with other gentlemen passen-
gers. They handed them the letter from the Dean, which
Messrs. G-ardner and Martin brought to Newport, in a small
boat, with all possible dispatch. On their arrival they found
Mr. Honyman was at church, it being a holyday, on which
olivine service was held then. They then sent the letter by a
servant, who delivered it to Mr. Honyman in his pulpit. He
t)pened it, and read it to the congregation, from the contents
of which it appeared the Dean might be expected to land in
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BEQUEvST TO YALE COLLEGE. 311
Newport, every moment. The church was dismissed with the
blessing, and Mr. Honyman, with the wardens, vestry, church,
and congregation, male and female, repaired immediately to the
ferry wharf, where they arrived a little before the Dean, his
family and friends. The foregoing tradition we have given as
we received it, but other traditions vary a little from that ;
some of which say that ^'the ship made no land until she arrived
in the East or Sachuest river, from which she came round the
north end of Rhode Island to Newport." It has also been
stated that Col. Godfrey Malborn, being out in his pleasure
yacht, on discovering the ship, made towards her, and on being
informed that the Dean and suit were on board, he took them
to his magnificent country-seat, now the property of Prescott
Hall, Esq., where they tarried until morning, and then started
for Newport. The Dean purchased a farm of about one hun-
dred acres in the town of Newport, adjoining one of about the
same extent belonging to the Rev. James Honyman, on which
Mr. Honyman resided. The Dean built him a house on his
farm for his residence, which he called White Hall, w^hich name
it still retains. The house is still standing. It is situated in
what is now the town of Middletown, about three miles from
the State House in Newport, and a little back of the road w^hich
runs eastward from the towm, near a beautiful little water
course, which runs southward towards Sachuest Beach. This
White Hall estate he gave to Yale College, in Connecticut,
which still owns the fee.
The White Hall estate was sold soon after it came in posses-
sion of Yale College, on a lease of nine hundred and ninety-nine
years, at a rent of one hundred ounces of silver per annum.
The mansion house is still standing, and is in the occupation of
Mr. Abraham Browm, the present owner of the lease. It re-
mains the same as when Bishop Berkley occupied it. We
would suggest the importance of repairing the front, &c. He
continued here about two years, perhaps a httle longer. He
was certainly here as late as September, 1731, as appears by a
supplementary inscription on the tomb-stone of Nathaniel Kay,
Esq., w^hich is as follows : " Joining to the south of this tomb,
lies Lucia Berkley, daughter of Dean Berkley, Obit, the 5th
of September, 1731."
His preaching was eloquent and forcible, and attracted large
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3 12 mSTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
congregations to Trinity church. When he was called to a
sphere of greater usefulness in his native country, he was not
forgetful of a residence which was endeared to him by many
pleasing recollections; and which, moreover, possessed for him
a melancholy interest, from the circumstance of its containing
the ashes of his infant daughters, who had died during his so-
journ in Newport.
After his return to England, he sent as a donation to Trinity
Church, in the year 1733, a magnificent organ. This organ is
surmounted by a crown in the centre, supported by two mitres,
one on each side.
Mr. Nathaniel Kay, who came from England to Ehode Island
as collector of the King's customs for the colony of Ehode
Island, was the most liberal patron, as to the amount of his
pecuniary aid, that the church has ever had. His house stood
on the site now occupied by the dwelling-house of the heirs of
the late George Engs, Esq., on the hill, near the head of Touro-
street. It was, when built, one of the most spacious and ele- .
gant private dwellings in town.
No apology can be offered for the neglect of the church, in
suffering it to be destroyed. It was a piece of modern vandal-
ism, which w^e can never cease to regret. Since the revolution,
it was occupied by a Mrs. Pollock, a lady from South Carolina,
who kept her carriage, and lived in a style of affluence, befitting
her rank and station. At the time of the embargo, when busi-
ness was suspended, and no employment was to be had for the
laboring classes, she, like a true philanthropist, opened a soup-
house^ and daily supplied the poor inhabitants throughout the
winter. At his death, he devised and bequeathed to the
church as follows : '^ I give and bequeath my dwelling house
and coach house to my wife, during the term of her natural
life ; after which I give and bequeath both, with my lots of
land in Ehode Island, and £400 in the currency of New Eng-
land, to build a school house, to the minister of the church of
England (Mr. Honyman), and the church wardens and vestry
for the time being — that is to say, upon trust and confidence,
and to the interest and purpose, benefit and use of a school to
teach ten poor hoys their grammar and the mathematics, gratis ;
and to appoint a master at all times, as occasion or vacancy
may happen, who shall be Episcopally ordained, and assist the
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DEATH OF MR. HONYMAN. 313
minister =(Episcopial) of the town of Newport, in some proper
office, as they shall think most useful."- Mr. Updike, in his his-
tory, has attempted an apology for the loss of the estate thus
kindly bequeathed by Mn Kay to Trinity church. It only
proves that property disposed of in this way, fails to be carried
out according to the wish of the donor. The Eev. Theodore
Deher took charge of the parish, as minister, in 1797. His
gentlemanly deportment and concihatory manners, his pulpit
eloquence, his mild disposition, and his sound piety, soon
brought back the wandering sheep to the common fold. The
church was again filled with a numerous congregation, ear-
nestly engaged in social worship.
In 1762, the edifice w^as greatly enlarged, by moving the east-
erly part about thirty feet, and adding as much in the middle.
This was done at the expense of forty- six gentlemen, who took
the pews they added in full satisfaction for the expense of said
enlargement. In the same year that the organ was presented
(1733), Jahleel Brenton, Esq., presented the clock in the tower
— and we would suggest that, in memory of the donor, it should
be put in repair.
In 1740, the bell presented by Queen Anne was cracked; it
was taken down and sent to London to be recast. In 1741,
the first school house was built, and Mr. Cornelius Bennett ap-
pointed schoolmaster.
In 1750, the Rev. Mr. Honyman died at an advanced age.
He was buried at the expense of the church, on the south side
of the passage from the gate to the church, where his tomb-
stone now hes. His salary was £70 per annum.
In July, 1751, the Church agreed to ask the Society to send
them Mr. Beach as minister. On the 27th of August, 1752, a
committee was appointed to collect, by subscription, a sum suffi-
cient to purchase a parsonage. Their success was such, that in
December the house was purchased for the purpose aforesaid.
Mr. Thomas Potter arrived in 1754, having been sent by the
Venerable Society as missionary. In Ts^'ovember, Mr. Potter
left. The church, being destitute of a minister, called the Eev.
Marmaduke Brown, of Portsmouth. He accepted the call, and
arrived in December.
In 1768, the old tower was taken down, and a new one built,
eighteen feet square, and sixty feet high. In 1769, Mr, Brown
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314 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
went to England on a visit. During his absence, Mr. Bisset
supplied his place as minister.
Oct. 27, 1770, there was a severe gale of wind, in which the
spindle on the steeple was broken off below the ball.
The Easter-Monday after the death of Mr. Brown, the con-
gregation chose Mr. Bisset their minister, until the Venerable
Society should be heard from. On Sunday, the 8th of Decem-
ber, 1776, the British fleet and army took possession of the
Island of Rhode Island, which event gave a new character to
everything here of a local nature. Mr. Bisset continued with
the church until the evacuation of the Island, which took place
October 25th, 1779.
Many of the leading members of Trinity Church w^ere of the
royal party, who went with them to New York; and among the
number was the minister, Mr. Bisset, who left his wife and
child behind, in the most destitute circumstances. His furni-
ture was seized by the State of Rhode Island ; but afterwards,
upon the petition of his wife to the General Assembly, it was
restored to her, and she, wath her child, was permitted to go to
her husband in New York.
A few days after the British left Newport, some young men
of the town, and among them two American officers, entered
the church, and despoiled it of the altar-piece, consisting of the
King's arms, the Lion and the Unicorn. They were highly or-
namented, and were placed against the great east window.
Afler trampling them under foot, they were carried to the north
battery, and set up for a target to fire at. The other emblems
of royalty, being out of reach, were allowed to remain. They
consist of one royal crown on the spire, and another on the top
of the organ. This structure has never been subjected to the
hand of modern vandalism, and we trust that the inhabitants
of the ancient town will guard it with the most scrupulous care.
The interior is now the same as when Dean Berkley preached
in it, and the pulpit is now the only one in America ever graced
by the occupancy of that distinguished prelate. The church
was, at the time of which we are speaking, without a minister.
As it had been nursed by the high church party in England, it
was unpopular with the mass of the people, who were writhing
under the scourge inflicted by that very party. The church
edifice, too, had been spared by those ruthless invaders who
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DISSENSIONS IN THE CHURCH. 815
iiad worshipped in it, while they had desecrated the other pla-
-ces of worship in the town, by converting them into hospitals,
etc. ; and every part of them but the shells, they had demol-
ished.
There was no service in the chureh immediately after Mr.
Bisset left, and the minister of the ^' Sixth principal Baptist So-
ciety" of this town, the Eev. Gardner Thurston,, was allowed
to occupy the church, with his numerous congregation, until
their own place of worship was repaired — from 1781 to 1786 — •
at which period the Bev. James Sayre was engaged and settled
as minister.
He took upon him the duties of that office on the 1st of Oe-
■tober. In 1787, the pews built in the west aisle of the church
were taken down, and the passage from the north to the south
doors again laid open.
In 1788, Mr. Boure and a majority of the congregation
came to an open rupture with Mr. Sayre. They charged him
with " refusing to put a vote in the vestry, which he had pre-
viously agreed to do.""
It appears Mr. Sayre soon left the church ; but by what
means they got rid of him — whether through the means of
Bishop Seabury, whose mediation had been requested by a por-
tion of the congregation, by his voluntary relinquishment of his
charge, or by compulsion, the records do not inform us.
By a vote of May 5th, 1789, the Eev. WilHam Smith, of Si
Paul's Church., Narragansett, was invited to visit the church
every other week, which invitation he accepted, with the con-
sent of his own church ; and in December following, he was
^called to become the minister of Trinity churchj which he ac-
cepted.
The Eev. Mr. Smith was not agreeably settled, inasmuch as
the society were divided. The feuds which had originated be-
tween Mr. Sayre and Mr, Bours had not been healed, and
many of the minority refused to attend church under the
preaching of Mr. Smith, but preferred holding meetings of wor-
ship in their private houses. Mr. Smith received a call from
the church at Norwalk, Conn,, which he accepted, and em>
Marked for his new station April 12, 1797.
The church, on the 14th of May, invited the Eev. John S. X
<^ardner5 assistant minister of Trinity churchy Boston, to come
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316 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAKB,
to Newport, and spend a few Sundays. In Mr. Gardner^
answer to the chnrcb, dated September 17th, he calls it " a
scattered church, and a divided people.'^ JPor these reasons,
and because his own church, rather than part with him, had
raised his salary to $800, he dechned the invitation, but recom-
mended to the church, a young man named Theodore Dehor.
On the 8th of October, 1797, Mr. Dehor was chosen ministerj
and requested to obtain orders. November 19th,- his salary was
fixed at $700 per annum, with the use of the parsonage and lot,
and other perquisites of said ofiice. On the 7th of January, 1798,
he entered upon the duties of his ministry. Mr. Dehor proved
very acceptable to the society, which again united in the bonds
of harmony and Christian fellowships flourished and increased
to an overflowing congregation. In 1798, a vestry was built in
the north east corner of the church ; in this spot a full length
portrait of Mr. Honyman hangs. In 1799, a new school-hoase
was erected on the lot where the old one form'erly stood. The
old one had been pulled down, as we have reason to believe,, in
the hard winter of 1780, and given to the poor of the church for
fuel.
In 1804, the church bell which had been in use sixty -three
years cracked, and was again cast over. In November of the
same year, the new bell cracked and was still again re-cast. The
affairs of the church having been settled under the pastoral care
of Bev. Mr. Dehor, but little worthy of notice took place until
1809. For about ten years previous to that time, many mem-
bers of the corporation had been anxious the church should pos-
sess a fund, to be invested, and the interest arising to be exclu^
sively appropriated to the minister's salary. This year they set
themselves to work in earnest to accomplish the desirable pur-
pose. On the 2d of June, the vestry appointed a committee to
report a plan to raise a perm.anent fund, and in August the said
committee made a report which was not adopted.
A new committee was appointed,, which reported in Decem-
ber, 1810, whose report being adopted, measures were taken for
carrying it into efl'ect. The members of the congregation were
solicited to subscribe such sums as they were willing to- contri-
bute towards the fund ; no one being obhged to pay until the
whole sum subscribed should amount to six thousand dollars.
Ib a short time a list of six thousand and fifty dolkrs was ob-
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MINISTERIAL CHANGES. 317
tamed. The subscribers being thus held for the amounts sub-
scribed, agreeably to the terms of their subscriptions, the money
was collected and invested in bank stock — the dividends on
which were to be regularly invested until the capital should
amount to ten thousand dollars. After which the yearly in-
come was to be applied to the payment of the minister's salar}^
and for no other purpose. This was fully accomphshed in due
time, and one thousand dollars added by the bequest of Mr.
Samuel Brown, of Boston, a native of Newport, making the per-
manent fund eleven thousand dollars, at the original cost of the
stock.
In February, 1810, the Rev. Theodore Dehor resigned the
rectorship of the church, but tendered his services until the
ensuing autumn. On the 28th of October, he preached his last
sermon to the congregation, aud proceeded to exercise the Epis-
copal offices of Rector of St Michael's, Charleston, and Bishop
of South Carolina.
When Mr. Dehor retired, the Rev. Samuel Wheaton, w^ho
married the sister of Mr. Dehor, and who had been previously
engaged to preside over the church, arrived here from New-
Haven, and took charge of the parish. The Rev. Mr. Wheaton
presided over the church for thirty years, when he resigned, and
the Rev. Francis Yinton was chosen Rector, and entered on
his duties at Easter, 1840, and was instituted Rector April
i4th, 1841.
It is a subject of regret that Mr. Wheaton could not have
continued to preside over the parish until his removal hy death,
for he was a devoted servant of Christ, and endeared himself to
the people of Newport by a blameless life and godly conversa-
tion. His resignation was not voluntary but compulsory, and
continued to be a source of bitterness to his mind, until his re-
moval to higher honors in the church triumphant in heaven.
The present officiating minister is the Rev. Mr. Brewer. It
has been intimated that there is an organ in Brooklyn, New-
York, which bears the inscription as being the gift of Bishop
Berkley ; now Bishop Berkley never presented but one organ,
and that was to Trinity church in Newport If the old pipes^
which were removed when the organ was repaired, were taken
to Brooklyn, and worked into an organ, this does not make it
the gift of Bishop Berkley. The reader can draw his own in-
ferences.
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318 HISTO.RY OF RHOD>E ISLAND.
Mr. Kay, of whom particular mention has been made as a
benefactor to Trinity church, also made a hberal bequest to
St. Michael's church, Bristol, of 160 acres of land on Pappoose
Squaw Neck, to sustain a grammar school. What disposition
has been made of the income, we are not properly apprized,
but would hope that the wishes of the donor have been complied
wdth, though such is not apt to be the case. The disregard
which has too frequently been paid to the wishes and intentions
of donors, should put man on his guards in devising property to
churches.
THE FIRST AND SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES.
In January, 1696, Mr.. Nathaniel Clap, of Dorchester, in
Massachusetts Bay, a graduate of Howard College, by the
advice of the minister of Boston, came to Newport and preached
till his death. It was not, however, till the year 1720, that a
church was gathered and organized, and Mr. Clap was ordained
and installed its pastor. November 20th, the church consisted of
the following fourteen male members, viz. r Nathaniel Clap, John
Keynolds, Thomas Browm, Culbert Campbell, Ebenezer Daven-
port, "William Sanford, Eichard Clark, Job Bisset, Joshua Stat-
son, Kendal Nichols, (he was an influential merchant of Newport^
and died Sept. 18, 1767, aged 81 years,) John Mayhem, James
Carey, Nathaniel Townsend, and John Labeer.
The church under Mr. Clap's ministry fiourished, and addi-
tions were gradually made to its numbers for about three years,
when the sacrament of the Lord^s Supper ceased to be admin-
istered by the pastor, and at the same time he refused to admin-
ister the ordinance of Baptism to a child of Mr. Kendal Nichols,
who with his wife w^ere communicants of the church. He
thought his church was not pure, and that its members were
" not of sufficiently holy conversation'' for the holy ordinance.
In the original correspondence, (still extant,) between Mr»
Clap and Mr. and Mrs, Nichols, on the subject of his refusal
to baptize the infant of the latter, there is assigned no reason
for such refusal, but a distrust on the part of Mr. Clap, of the?
Christian state of Mr, and Mrs. Nichols.
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FIRST AND SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 319
This course on the part of Mr. Clap gave great offence, and
was the commencement of a fire that continued to burn for
many years. The church and congregation revered their pas-
tpr, and admired him as a truly evangelical apostohcal preacher j,
but were displeased with his rigid course of discipline and
church government.
In July 20thj 1724, the church addressed, a respectful appli-
cation to their pastor, soliciting his consent to have recourse
to other churches for sacramental privileges, if bodily weakness
was the only reason of his denying or withholding them, but
without success.
Mr. Clap, in answer to a remonstrance from B. Ellery and S. '
Vernon, Esq., said:
" I came here by the advice of the Eev. minister of Boston.
I have continued here by his advice ; I have preached the
Grospel here. As for you who are trying to drive me away, I
would have you to consider the awful account you will have to
give for the damnation of the souls that will be lost for the want
of my preaching."
Although Mr. Clap was not inclined to assign a plausible
reason, or one that was satisfactory to the church, in the singu-
lar course which he took in refusing to baptize the child of Mr.
and Mrs. Nichols, and subsequently in suspending the holy ordi-
nance of Communion, yet tradition has informed us, that there
wa3 a vahd reason in his mind, which led him to pursue such a
course. It was owing to a remark made to him soon after his
taking possession of the parsonage, which he understood was
built expressly for him by Mr. Nichols. A female member of
his church, who called ujpon him soon after he was quietly set-
tled in his new home, on learning his gratification of the favor
which had been conferred upon him by Mr. Nichols, she very
indiscreetly remarked, that as long as he remained the pastor of
the church, the house was his. On Mr. Clap^s interrogating her
where she had derived her information of this fact, she replied
that she had it from Mr. Nichols. This^ no doubt, led him to
suspect that a possibility existed of an attempt to dissolve
the connection, which at that period was viewed as solemn and
as sacred as the marriage contract. The least allusion to such
an event was considered in the light of a gross insult. And it
has been also said that on Mr. Nichols calhng upon Mr. Clap,
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320 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
he was received with coldness, and that he at once put the
question to Mr. Nichols, wishing to know of him whose house
this was. On being told it was his, he then requested Mr.
]^ichols at once to leave it.
This shows that he retained a degree of self-respect, however
his conduct may be viewed by the pigmies and dwarfs of the
present day. In the view of Mr. Clap, it looked like an invasion
of his rights, which if not checked in the bud, might lead to dis-
astrous consequences to the church and to the ministry. This
is the most probable reason which can be assigned for his sin-
gular conduct.
In the year 1745, Mr. Callender published a discourse occa-
sioned by the death of his friend, the Rev. Mr. Clap, in which
he pays a high tribute of affectionate veneration to his memory.
Mr. Callender's sermon was founded on Hebrews xiii., 7, 8. The
prominent traits in his character are faithfully dehneated in the
following extracts from this sermon :
^' The main stroke in his character, was his eminent sanc-
tity and piety, and an ardent desire to promote the knowledge
and practice of true godliness in others. As his understanding
was above the common level, so was his learning, though he
studiously concealed it. He thought his station required more
than common instances of innocency, self denial, and caution.
He abounded in contrivances to do good, by scattering books
of piety and virtue, not such as minister questions and strife,
but godly edifying, and put himself to a very considerable ex-
pense, that he might by this method awaken the careless and
secure, comfort the feeble minded, succor the tempted, instruct
the ignorant, and quicken, animate, and encourage all. He
abounded in acts of charity to the poor and necessitous, to
whom he was a kind father and guardian. In fine, he was a
pubhc blessing, as an able minister of the New Testament, an
example of unspotted piety, and an honor to religion. There
are two things in w^hich he excelled in so remarkable a manner,
that I must not omit them : his care about the education of
children, and his concern for the instruction of servants.
" The conclusion of his hfe and ministry, was a peaceful and
happy death, without those raptures which some boast of, but
with perfect resignation to the will of God, and good hope and
humble confidence in Christ Jesus, who was the sum of his
doctrine, and the end of his conversation."
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THE REV. MR. CLAP. 321
While he was eminently pious, he was at the same time very
eccentric. " The administrator of his estate informed the
writer, that he found among the papers and dust of his study,
which he never allowed to be swept, several hundred dollars,
in many little parcels, wrapped in orange peel or paper, which
had probably fallen from his table, without observation or sub-
sequent search ; 'and likewise, another sum of considerable
amount, on the shelves of his closet, in paper, and orange-peel.
" There was likewise a barrel, almost full of tops, which he
had purchased of boys in the street, to show his disapprobation
of the vain sport. It was his custom to walk out in a black
velvet cap, and in a gown girded about his loins. In one side
of it he would carry books, and in the other cakes, and with
one or the other of which he would generally succeed in pur-
chasing of boys their tops, and would give them kind advice, so
that instead of fleeing from him, they loved to see him ap-
proach."— 2temmisce?ices of Hopkins.
Their next step, July, 1725, was to propose a colleague, as a
means of allaying all uneasiness ; this, Mr. Clap declined. The
church and congregation were determined, and the services of
Mr. Bass were obtained for a short season, and after him, Mr.
John Adams ; this must have been some time in 1727. Mr.
Clap, after a while, utterly refused any association with Mr.
Adams, and entirely occupied the pulpit on the Lord's day, not
giving opportunity to the other to preach. This exasperated
the people to such a degree, that nearly half of both churches
and congregations withdrew, and met in a separate place, under
Mr. Adams' ministry.
In 1728, an ex-parte Council of Churches was convened on
the 3rd of April, which, after solemn supplication to G-od for
his gracious presence and direction, came to the following
result, unanimously agreed in, upon mature deliberation. The
Council then went on to say, '' that as Mr. Adams had received
a valid call to the colleagueship with Mr. Clap, they affection-
ately advised Mr. Clap and his friends to consent to Mr.
Adams' ordination ; and if they would not, they recommended
the aggrieved party to use the same house of worship, for the
time being, one in the morning and the other in the evening,
wath their respective pastors." Mr. Clap persisted in having
no intercourse with Mr. Adams.
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322 HISTORY OF KHODE ISLAND.
Tradition informs us, that when the Council had assembled
at the parsonage, to endeavor to adjust the differences which
existed between a portion of the church and Mr. Clap, he
came from his study with a plate in his hand, containing as
many figs as there were ministers present, and after handing
them round, until he came to the last, remarked, '' here is a fig
for you all;" and immediately retired to his study. This
illustrates the moral courage of the ministry at that day.
A new church was organized, and Mr. Adams ordained
their pastor, April 11th, 1728. The Lord's Supper was ad-
ministered on Lord's day. May 11th, 1728. The place of
worship where Mr. Clap then preached, was situated in
Tanner-street, and its occupancy by Mr. Adams, contrary to
his wishes, was so displeasing to him, that he would not consent
to preach in it again, A new house was erected, which at
present is occupied by the Unitarian Society, under the pastoral
care of the Eev. Mr. Brooks. When the house was completed,
and they had brought him the key, the first question he asked,
was, " Is it paid for ?" On being informed that a small
balance remained unsettled, he handed back the key, and not
until the debt was cancelled would he consent to occupy the
house, which was quickly done. Such was the moral principle
of that day.
Mr. "Whitfield, in his Journal, in his remarks on Mr. Clap,
says, " His countenance was very . heavenly, and he prayed
most affectionately for a blessing on my coming to Ehode
Island. I could not but think I was sitting by one of the
patriarchs."
Dean Berkley was intimate with Mr. Clap, and often spoke
of his good deeds, and exemplary character. He said, '' Before
I saw Father Clap, I thought the Bishop of Eome had the most
grave aspect of any man I ever saw ; but really, the minister
of Newport has the most venerable appearance."
The Eev, Mr. Clap continued his pastoral care over the
First Church, until his death, though he abandoned the house,
as before remarked, to Mr. Adams and his Church.
1733. This year, the Second Congregational Church buih
a new meeting-house, in Clarke-street.
The Eev. Mr, Adams w^as dismissed, February 25th, 1729—
1730,
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DISPE'flSION OF THE CONGRE<JATiONS. 323
April 2M, 1731, the Eev. James Searing was ordained over
the Second Church. He died January 6th, 1755., aged fifty
years.
May, 1740, the 'Rev, Joseph Gardner was ordained co-pastor
with Mr, Clap, over the First Church, and was disnaissed
June 10th, 1743.
' June 20th, 1744, Jonathan Helier was ordained co-pastor
with Mr, Clap, over the First Church, and died May 27th,
1745, He was a very ingenious and excellent man.
October 30th., 1745, the Eev Nathaniel <Clap died, at the
■advanced age of seventy-eight y-ears. His remains lay in the
Arnold burial ground, at the rear of the IJjiitarian Church.
Octob-er 29th, 1746, the Eev. William Vinal was ordained
pastor of the First Church, and was dismissed September 21st5
1768.
April nth, 1755, Eev. Sammel Hopkins was intalled pastor
'0f the First Congregational Church.
October 22d, 1755, Eev. Ezra Stiles was ordained pastor of
the Second Congregational Church. It was a most curious
coincidence that two such minds should have been settled
over Newport xjhurches the same year.
At the settlement of these distinguished divines, Hopkins
and Stiles, over the churches in Newport, they were in a
flourishing condition, and continued so many years, and many
additions were made to them ; but, in 1744, the difficulties
connected with the relations that existed betv/een Great Britain
mnd her American Colonies, began to give warning of the
^conflict that ensued. Newport began to dechne, commerce
forsook her wharfs, many dwellings were emptied of their
inhabitants, and the churches were in a great measure forsaken.
Dr. Hopkins had removed his family ; and, in 1776, he himself
left, and returned to reside with his family in Great Barrington,
Massachusetts.
On the 23rd of October, 1775, the remiiant of the Second
Society met, and determined it to be inexpedient to continue
public worship during the winter, in consideration of the tumul-
tuous and evacuated state of the town. In the following
March, their pastor left Newport, and these churches were
destitute of ministers, and their members scattered abroado
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324 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND
Both the bouses of worship, during the war, had been used
as barracks for the soldiers. The bell of the First Church was
carried to England, and the pulpit, pews,- and fixtures, were
demolished. The Second Church fared but little better ; for^
though the pulpit was left standings the enemj had put up a
chimney in the middle of ity and destroyed the pews below, and
in the gallery.
In the spring of 1781), Dr. Hopkins returned to his parish, to
witness a scene of desolation and miseiy ; some of ttie iii em-
bers of the church and congregation had died,, many had
sought other homes, and those that remained, were so im-
poverished and dispirited, that only a few had the moral
courage to think of reviving their church. But they were
©ventually able to succeed.
It has already been remarked, that the enemy had completely
destroyed the interior of the church, and their limited resources
prevented their refitting it, only in a plain manner. For year&
there was no paint on the pews, and the impression was visibly
seen in the aisles, where the British soldiers had struck the
muzzles of their gunt^. The people of Taunton veiy kindly
gave them the pulpit, which continued to be graced with
Hopkins, and his successors, bo long as the place of worship
was used by the society.
But although there was no outward adorning, yet an amount
of piety existed at that period,- which more than supplied its
place. The female members of hi® church were many of them.
eminently pious. There was Madam Osborne,- Busannah An-
thony, Hannah Johnson, Mrs. Bonely, with many others^
^^ whose praise is in all the churches." The writings of Madam.
Osborne and Susannah Anthony are to be met with in the Sab-
bath School; librarie& of the land. They were the " poor of
this world, but rich in faith ^ and heirs of the kingdom which
God hath prepared for them that love him." They were tO'
Doctor Hopkins what Aaron and-Hur were to Moses,, they
stayed up his hands, and encouraged his heart under the con-
fficts and trials which,, as a soldier of the cross, he was called
to endure. At that period, there was something witnessed lik©
the primitive times, when love bound the church together as'
0tte, The world had not then th@ complete ascendency in the
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REV. SAMUEL HOPKINS. 325
human heart There was a renunciation of " the world, the
Hesh, and the devil," and a childlike spirit seemed to charac-
terize the church.
During the war, Dr. Stiles had accepted the presidency of
Yale College, although he was not formally dismissed from the
pastoral charge till after the peace ; consequently, on their re-
turn to Newport, the Second Church found themselves without
a pastor, and continued in that state till the 24th of May, 1786,
on which day the E,ev. WiUiam Patton w^as ordained their min-
ister.
President Stiles was one of the most learned men that our
-country has ever produced. As a scholar^ he was famihar with
every department of learning. He had a profound and criti-
cal knowledge of the Latin, Greek, French, and Hebrew lan-
guages ; in the Samaritan, Chaldee, S^'-riac, and Arabic, he had
made considerable progress, and he had bestowed some atten-
tion on the Persic and Coptic. He had a passion for history,
and an intimate acquaintance with the rabbinical writings, and
w^ith those of the fathers of the Christian Church, As a
preacher, he was impressive and eloquent ; and the excellence
of his sermons was enhanced by the energy of his delivery, and
by the unction which pervaded them. His catholic spirit em-
braced men of every nation, sect, and party. In the cause of
civil and religious liberty, he was enthusiastic. In his discourse
on Christian union, he says : " There ought to be no restric-
tions on the conscience of an honest and sober believer of reve-
latiom"
The following appropriate remarks are from the pen of Chan-
cellor Kent^ one of Dr. Stiles' pupils.
" A more constant and devoted friend to the Eevolution and
mdependence of his country, never existed. He had anticipa-
ted it as early as the year 1760, and his whole soul was enlisted
in favor of every measure which led on gradually to the for-
mation and establishment of the American Union. He was
distinguished for the dignity of his deportment, the politeness
of his address, and the urbanity of his manners." President
Stiles was for more than twenty years a resident and distin-
guished ornament of Rhode Island.
December 20th, 1803, Eev. Samuel Hopkins, D.D., died aged
82 years. In his death, the church sustained a heavy loss>
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326 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
Tbougli not eloquent, as was Dr. Stiles, yet there was a solem-
nity m his preaching which carried conviction to- the under-
standing and heart, and shewed the sincerity of his mind, as on©
in whom you could rely. B^ecision of character was preemi-
nently conspicuous in his whole character — a trait seldom to be
met with at the present day. His theological views were some-
what peculiar, and gave great offence, though his opponents
were constrained to admit his honesty.
He w^as a target at which the arrows of malice w^ere thrown^
"but he stood, as he remarked, "like a brazen wall, un-
hurt." Charles Oahoone, who' was skeptical in his views, and
rather eccentric^ was disposed to- annoy the Doctor by sending
persons to him to buy brimstone. Such conduct was highly
displeasing to the Doctor, but it never deterred him from
preaching what he beUeved to be the truth. Cahoone was
a carver, and a specimen of his work may be- seen on the roof
of the house of Engine No.. YI., at the head of King-streeto
It represents old Breton, an English rigger, dressed in his pet^
ticoat, trowsers, and cocked hat, with the pig-tail tobacco hang-
ing out of his pocket. It is a/ac simile of the person.
^' Dr. Hopkins was a distinguished divine. His mind was
discerning, and his application was almost unet^ualed. He
sometimes devoted to his studies eighteen hours in a day. One
of his peculiar sentiments, was that the inability of sinners is
moral, not natural ; but this is only saying that their inability
consists in disinclination of heart, or of opposition of will, to
what is good. Combining the Calvinistic doctrine that God
has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass, with his views of
the nature of sin as consisting entirely in the intention or dispo-
sition of the mind, he inferred that it was no impeachment upon
the character of the most righteous Disposer of all events, to
say, not only that He had decreed the existence of sin, but that
He exerted His own power to produce it. The design being be-
nevolent, he contended that no more iniquity could be attached to
this act, than to the bare permission of sin. This is another of
his peculiarities. Erom his view of the nature of holiness, as con-
sisting in disinterested benevolence, he also inferred that a
Christian should be wiUing to perish forever, to be forever mis^
erable, if it should be necessary for the glory of God and the
good of the universe thajt he should encounter this destruction.
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MINISTERIAL CHANGES. 327
" Instead of the Calvinistic doctrine of the strict imputation
of Adam's sin, and of the righteousness of Christ, he chose
rather to adopt the language of Scripture in saying, that on
account of the first transgression, men were made or constitu-
ted sinners, and that men are justified on account of the right-
eousness of Christ, or through the redemption which there is in
him. Another of his peculiarities is, that all sin consists in sel-
fishness."
He was a man of large stature, and well proportioned ;
dressed in the costume of the age, with a full bottomed wig,
he presented an imposing appearance.
Sept. 12, 1804, Eev. Caleb T. Tenney was installed pastor of
the First Church, and was dismissed May 29th, 1815.
Aug. 23d, 1815, Rev. Calvin Hitchcock was installed over
the Pirst Church, and was dismissed August 23d, 1820.
July 25th, 1821, Rev. Samuel Austin, D. D., was installed
pastor of the First Church, and was dismissed in 1826. Dr.
Austin, previous to his coming to Newport, had been Presi-
dent of Burlington College, Vermont. He was an able exposi-
tor of the Scriptures.
He was succeeded by Rev. WiHiam Torrey, January, 1827,
who was dismissed in May, 1829, rather unceremoniously.
March 24th, 1830, Rev. William Beecher was ordained pas-
tor of the First Church, and dismissed June 23d, 1833.
April 18th, 1833, Rev. William Patten was dismissed from
his pastoral charge over the Second Church, after having min-
istered to his people for the long period of forty-seven years.
If great success did not attend his ministrations, if additions
w^ere not as numerous as in some instances, nevertheless he was
a pious and devoted servant of Christ, and was strongly en-
deared to the members of his Church.
Dr. Patten was a fine classical scholar. There was no at-
tempt at display in the pulpit ; he deHvered the truth, and left
it with Grod to apply it to the hearts and consciences of his
hearers. The reason assigned for his dismission, was that the
Church had been long in a dechning state. This was not of
sufficient weight to dissolve a connection which had existed for
nearly half a century. Dr. Patten had spent the energies of
his youth in their service ; he had reared up a large family in
their midst and all his dearest associations were there. It was
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328 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
painful to his mind to be under the necessity of turning his
back on the people of his charge, and to take up his residence
in a spot where the changes had been so great in the period of
nearly half a century, that he scarcely knew any of the inhabi-
tants.
It would have been far better, had the church and society
proposed a colleagae, and allowed the venerable servant of God
to have lived and died in their midst.
Dr. Patten, though dignified in manners, and commanding
the respect of all, was yet very companionable., and at times
highly amusing. A Mrs. K., a lady from the South, and con-
nected with some of the first families, became insane, and was
placed in the family of Rev. William Patten. She was rather
disposed to sneer at his pretensions to the ministerial office,
which he pleasantly submitted to. Subsequently, Brown Uni-
versity conferred on him the degree of D. D. Mrs. K. contin-
ued her attacks, when the Doctor remarked, " Why, Mrs, K.,
I am really surprised that a lady of your rank and dignity, will
condescend so low as to insult a Doctor of Divinity." She ap-
peared greatly surprised at the announcement. " You a D. D. ?•'
" Yes, madam ; do you require my credentials ?" '' No, sir,"
she replied ; and from that moment, as he informed' the author,
she was always respectful. The Doctor jocosely remarked that
this was all the benefit he derived from the Doctorate.
Por many years, the Second Church was destitute of a single
male member, and was indebted to the Deacons of the Pirsl
Church for the duties which pertain to that office, in the cele-
bration of the Lord's Supper. In 1833, a project for uniting
these two churches in one began to be talked of, and gradually
gained favor, until at length, on the 24th of- May, 1833, the
work was consummated.
On the 26th of Sept., 1839, the Rev. A. Henry Dumont was
installed, by an Ecclesiastical Council, the first pastor of the
United Church.
The societies being united in one, deemed it expedient to
erect a new house of worship, which was accordingly done.
This house was solemnly dedicated to the worship of the Tri-
une God, on the 4th of June, 1834.
The present pastor is the Rev. Thatcher Thayer, who suc-
ceeded the Rev. Mr. Dumont, and who is highly esteemed by
his people.
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HEV. SAMUEL HOPKINS. 329
The two Congregational Churches, up to the time of the
death of Dr. Hopkins, enjoyed the most entire harmony. So
pure and deep was the sympathy of the two pastors, that they
called each other by the appellations of /ai^Aer and son. The
last time that Dr. Hopkins walked out with Dr. Patten, who at
that time was comparatively a young man, and accompanied
him home, Dr. Hopkins said, " What need have I any more of
a cane, since I have your arm ;" and gave his cane or long
staff, mounted with ivory, into the hands of Dr. Patten, who
used it afterwards, and reckoned it among his choice things.
They were like David and Jonathan, '' pleasant and lovely in
their lives," and in their resting place on earth they are not
divided. They repose in front of the Spring-street church.
A strong desire is expressed by the family of the late la-
mented Dr. Patten, that a monument be erected to his memory,
and we trust, for the honor of the town, that no obstacles will
be thrown in the way of the accomplishment of the object.
At the same time, the church and society over which Dr.
Hopkins presided for so many years, should erect a suitable
monument to his memory, or join with the family of Dr. Patten
in the praiseworthy undertaking.
The estimation in which Dr. Hopkins' writings were held in
Scotland, led the College at Edinburgh to confer on him the
degree of D.D. It w-as a high honor, and showed that they
highly appreciated his talents as an able theologian.
Dr. Hopkins' salary, for many years, did not exceed $200 per
annum, and the parsonage house, which is still standing. His
study would only admit of a table, with just sufficient room to
move round it ; it was there he wrote his System of Divinity,
which cost him ten years' labor, and for the copyright of which
he obtained $800.
A wealthy lady of his church, Mrs. Wright, was in the habit
of furnishing himself and wife, which then comprised his fam-
ily, dinner three times a week from her own table ; and he and
his companion would often take tea out, with some of his pa-
rishioners, who were always gratified with the visit of their
pastor. Dr. Hopkins often remarked that he would not ex-
change his situation for an increase of salary, so dehghted was
he with Newport, and the affectionate church over which he
ministered.
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330 HISTOUY OF RHODE ISLAND.
But few such self-sacrificing spirits are to be met with in this
world. It was theflock^ and not the fleece he was after. He
had consecrated himself to the work of the Gospel ministry,
and in that service he labored until removed by death. He
looked for higher honors than earth could possibly confer, as
the reward of his labors and toils in the service of his Lord
and Master. A faithful minister will proclaim the truth to both
saint and sinner ; he will not shun to declare the whole counsel
of God. The commission which he professes to have received,
binds him to the faithful performance of this duty. His ofiice
is not one of earthly appointment, if well understood — though
many at this day seem to view it so, by the cautious manner in
which they wield the weapons of the Gospel, lest the minds of
their hearers should be disturbed. It was not so with Hop-
kins and his associates ; they believed that the investiture was
from Jehovah, and that obedience was required of all who bore
the vessels of the sanctuary. They put their trust entirely in
God, and not in man for a blessing on their labors of love.
Such were the divines Clark, Callender, Stiles, Hopkins, Brown,
Clap, Thurston, and Patten, who graced the pulpits of that
day. ,
1787. — Last Saturday night arrived here Capt. Benjamin
Pearce, in the brig Ehzabeth, sixty-three days from Copenhagen,
bringing a bell of about 1,100 lbs. weight, for the Second Con-
gregational Church of the City of Newport. ''The City of
Newport" is cast on the bell. It is now in the belfry of the
Union Congregational Church, in Spring-street.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN NEWPORT, AND THE
FIRST IN AMERICA.
The First Baptist Church in Providence having arrogated to
itself the honor of being the first in the State and in the country,
it was taken for granted that their claim was a vahd one, and
none attempted to deny to. them the honor. But recently the
subject has undergone a thorough examination, which has
resulted in giving an entire new version to the subject. A com-
mittee was appointed by the church at Providence, to invest!-
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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN NEWPORT. SSI
gate the matter, of, whicli Eev, T. C. Jameson was Chairman^
wherein they repoi^ that they " are of the opinion that the
Baptist church at Newport was formed certainly before the 1st
of May, 1639, and probably on the 7th of March, 1638." In-
stead of submitting to the report, which, according to parlia-
mentary usages, they should have done, they came out with a
review of the doings of their committee, and finding themselves
driven to the wall by the weight of evidence furnished of the
priority of the First Church in Newport, labored to show that
it was not in its comm encement Anna-Baptist, but Psedo-Baptist.
May 11th, 1639. The existence of this church was matter
of public record in Massachusetts :
'' 1639. The people of Aquedneek, gathered a church in a
very disordered way, for they took' some excommunicated per-
sons, and others who were members of the church of Boston,
and not dismissed."
^^ The church of Boston sent three brethren with letters to Mr.
Coddington, and the rest of our members at Aquedneek, to
understand their judgment in divers points of religion formerly
maintained by all, or divers of them, and to require them to
give account to the church of their unwarrantable practice, in
communicating with excommunicated persons, &c. When they
came, they found that those of them who dwelt at Newportj,
had joined themselves to a church there, newly constituted^
and therefore refused to hear them as messengers of our churchy
or to receive the church's letters. Whereupon, at their return^
the elders and most of the church would have them cast out, as
refusing to hear the church, but all not being agreed, it was de-
ferred." — Winthroph Journal^ 1st mouthy (March) 24, 1639-40.
From this extract, it appears that this church, from its or-
ganization, rejected infant baptism, the supervision of the civil
magistrates, &c., and was in fact a Baptist church. On what
other ground can we possibly reconcile the conduct of the
church at Newport, in thus refusing to receive the messengers
which were sent from Boston ? Most certainly, if they had been
at this period Psedo-Baptist, they would never have rejected
those of the same faith and order, but would have extended the
right hand of fellowship to their brethren. It is well-known
that infant baptism at that day among Psedo-Baptists, was the
sine qua non^ and all who diifered in this grand essential were
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332 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
viewed as heretical and worthy to receive thirty stripes, which
were subsequently inflicted on Mr. Holmes and others with great
severity.
The charge preferred against this church was '^ in their com-
municating with excommunicated persons." Now, it is not
probable that the church in Newport would receive into their
communion, persons of immoral character, but rather individ-
uals that had thought proper to exercise their own private •
judgment in matters of conscience. This was a point which
gave offence to the churches in Massachusetts, and led them to
view the church in Newport, as unworthy of their fellowship,
having abandoned a vital principle of Christianity. There is
displayed a spirit of dictation by the Congregational churches
of Masisachusetts towards this church, which preeminently
characterizes their histoiy. They came to Newport to hrow-
heat this church, but the church would not recognize them as
brethren of the same faith and order with themselves. They were
Anna-Baptists as early as this period, for in no other sense can we
reconcile their conduct towards the churches of Massachusetts,
which is well-known were Psedo-Baptist, and held to the ordi-
nance of infant sprinkling as a matter of infinite importance.
The First Baptist Church in Providence has assumed two
points, which she is unable to maintain : Pirst, her existence
being prior to that of the church at Newport ; secondly, that
the church was founded by Eoger Williams. Comer, the first,
and for the early history of our denomination, the most reliable
of writers, ascribes distinctly and repeatedly, this priority to the
Newport church. He had formed the design, more than a hun-
dred and twenty years ago, of writing the history of the Ameri-
can Baptists, and in that work which he only lived to commaence,
but which embraces an account of this church, he says in one
place, that it is the first of the Baptist denomination ; and clos-
ing his history of it, he says : " Thus I have briefly given some
account of the settlement and progress of the First Baptist
church on Rhode Island, in New-England, and the first in
America."
From the way in which he asserts it, the priority of the New>
port church must have been a universally conceded fact. He
was careful to excess, not to record as certain, that on which
any suspicion rested, and yet this father of American Baptist
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FIRST BAPTIST CHt/RCH IN NEWPORT. 8SS
history, whose veracity has never been questioned, states that in
age it was prior to any other Baptist church in America. It is
true, and I was sorry to see it, some later hand has added in a
note : " Excepting that of Providence^ Who wrote this, I will
not say, but no one should touch Comer's writings, unless he is
a more reliable witness than that pains-taking and impartial
man.
Besides his general carefulness, he was, when he wrote the
above, on the most favorable terms with the Providence churchy
while a difficulty had occurred between him and the Newport
church, which caused him the most painful feelings.
This interpretation of the writings of Comer, in order to give
the priority to the church at Providence, is most certainly an
unchristian act, and shows to what miserable shifts they were
driven to obtain the honor which justly belongs to another.
This, however, is not the first attempt to pluck the laurels from
the brow of the people of Newport, and which they have too
long passively submitted to ; but a redeeming spirit is at worky
which will be put forth in defence of her just and lawful claims,
as the first to rear the Baptist standard in this land, as well as
the first to publish to the world the great principle of the rights
of conscience.
Eev. Mr. Adlam has shown conclusively that the present
First Baptist church of Providence has existed only from 1652,
and thus it cannot be the oldest of the Baptists in America. Dr,
Hague, late pastor of that church, in his " Historical Discourse,'^
prepared with great care, and received with uncommon satis-
faction and respect by his people, does not deny a single state-
ment that Comer, or Callender, or Backus have made, but as far
as he refers to this subject harmonizes with them,
•The Pirst Baptist church in Providence has been called the
*' Eoger WiUiams' Church," implying that he was its first patron
and founder, and this, until very recently, has been the generally
received opinion. Stephen Hopkins, Signer of the Declaration
of Independence, grandson of Wickenden, uniformly affirmed
that Wickenden was the first elder of the existing church, and
asserted this in his'' History of Providence," published in 1765.
Moses Brown, that venerable Nestor of Providence, as he is
called by Knowles, always held that his ancestor Chad Brown^
Was the first elder of the Providence Baptist church. John
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334 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND,
Angelj born in 1691, claimed the same honor for his grand-
father, Gregory Dexter, ancestor of Nathaniel G. B. Dexter,
Esq., of Pawtucket, E. I.
Callender, in 1738, says : " The most ancient inhabitants now
alive, some of them above eighty years old, who personally knew
Mr. Williams, and were well acquainted with many of the ori-
ginal settlers, never heard that Mr. Williams formed the Bap-
tist chm'ch there, but always understood that Mr. Brown, Mr.
Wickenden, or Wigginton, Mr. Dexter, Mr. Olney, Mr. Tilling-
liast, &c., were the first founders of that church.^'
" This shows that the general opinion of Roger Williams being
the founder and first pastor of that church is a modern theory;
the farther you go back, the less generally is it believed, till
coming to the most ancient times, to the men who knew Wil-
liams, they are such entire strangers to it, that they never heard
that he formed th^ Baptist church there.
" Among the evils that have resulted from the wrong date
of the Providence church, has been the prominence given to
Roger Williams, It is greatly to be regretted that it has
ever entered into the mind of any one to make him, in America,
the founder of our denomination. In no sense was he so ; well
would it be for Baptists, and for Wilhams himself, could his
short and fitful attempt to become a Baptist, be obhterated from
the minds of men. A man only four months a Baptist, and then
renouncing his baptism, forever, to be lauded and magnified as
the founder of the Baptist denomination in the New World t
There is another name long, too long concealed by Williams''
being placed before him, who will in after time be regarded with
unmingled affection and respect, as the true founder of the Bap-
tist cause in this country.
'^ That orb of purest lustre will yet shine forth, and Baptists,
whether they regard his spotless character, his talents, his learn-
ing, the services he rendered, the urbanity and the modesty
that distinguished him, will mention John Clarke, as the real
founder of our denomination in America. And when Baptist
history is better known than it is at present, every one pointing
to that venerable church, which on one of earth's lovehest spots
he estabHshed, will say: ^' This is the mother of us all 1" — Rev.
■S. Adlam^ on the Origin of the Baptist Churches.
Having presented the proof of the priority of the First
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PASTORS OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 335
Baptist Church in Newport, we will proceed to notice the most
important events connected with its history
Dr. John Clarke was its first pastor.
The first house erected to the w^orship of God, was built at
Greenend ; they sold the house, and built a new one in 1708,
on the lot in Tanner-street, now used as a burial place fiDr the
pastors of the church. The ground was the gift of John Clarke.
Mr. Obadiah Holmes was the second pastor of this church,
and was called to that office very soon after Mr. Clarke sailed
for England. In him the church found a bold and fearless ad-
vocate for truth, and a faithful and indefatigable pastor ; which
office he continued to discharge, until, in 1682, he was removed
from the scene of his sufferings and toils by death, in the
seventy-sixth year of his age. He lies buried on the Holmes
Parm, in Middletown, now owned by Gideon Peckham, Esq.,
where a tomb is erected to his memory.
Mr. Holmes was educated at the University of Oxford, in
England, and seems to have been well adapted to the times in
which he lived,- — times which tried men's souls. The name of
Holmes has now become extinct on the island, but his descen.
dants, in the male line, are still numerous in New Jersey ;
some of his descendants, in the female line, are still living in
Newport.
After Mr. Holmes' death, the church seems to have been
without a pastor, until about the year 1690, when Mr. Eichard
Dingley became their pastor. He continued with them only
four years, when he left, and went to Charleston, South Caro-
lina. After Mr. Dingley left, the church being few in number,
and^'without any one to administer to them the word of life,
they concluded to sit under the ministry of the Rev. Mr.
Hiscox, of the Sabbatarian Church.
In 1711, this little band w^ere again permitted to go up to
the Zion they loved, and sit under the ministry of the Eev.
WilHam Peckham, who was ordained to the pastoral care of
the church that same year.
Mr. Peckham continued faithfully to discharge the duties of
Ms office, until the increasing infirmities of age rendered assist-
ance indispensable to his own happiness, and the prosperity of
the church.
In May, 1718, it appears from the records of the church,
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336 HISTORY OP RHODE ISLAND.
that a Mr. Daniel White was. received to her fellowship, by a
letter from a church in England, and was soon after invited by
the church to assist Elder Peckham in the discharge of his
ministerial services ; but he proved a very troublesome man,
and created a division in the church.
In 1724, a meeting-house was erected for Mr. "White, in
which he continued to hold meetings for about four years ;
when, having but one individual member of his church left, he
sold the meeting-house, and left the place.
In 1725, the church invited Mr. John Comer to become the
colleague of Mr. Peckham, which invitation he accepted, and
entered upon the duties of his office the following spring. Mr.
Comer was a man of talents, and eminently successful as a
minister of Jesus. Under his ministry, the number of the
church was increased. He also commenced the records of the
church before alluded to, and to him we are indebted for much
of her early history. But the prosperity and happiness of the
church, under Mr. Comer's administration, was soon interrupted
by a sermon, delivered by him on Lord's day, November 17th,
1728, in which he maintained the doctrine of imposition of
hands on baptized believers, as indispensable to church member-
ship, &c. This discourse gave great uneasiness to the church,
and finally resulted in his dismission, which occurred on the
8th of January, 1729 ; they, however, parted with their late
pastor in love and peace.
The sixth pastor of this church, was the Eev. John Callender,
nephew of the Eev. Ehsha Callender, of the old Baptist
Church, in Boston. Mr. Callender was a native of Boston,
and received his education at Harvard University, in Cam-
bridge. He accepted the invitation of this church to become
their pastor on the 4th of July, 1731, and on the 13th day of
October following, was set apart to that office, by fasting, and
prayer, and the imposition of hands. The churches of Boston
and Swanzey, by their ministers and messengers, were invited
to participate in the services.
Mr. Callender ministered in this church, during the period
of almost seventeen years, and was very evidently attended
with the approbation and blessing of Grod. Like his divine
master, Mr. Callender was poor in this world's goods, " but
rich in faith, and heir to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled.
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REV. JOHN CALLENDER.
337
and that fadeth not away." His passage through this vale of
tears, though not protracted to great length, was one of adver-
sity, sickness, and pain. His departure from the toils and
sorrows of earth, to that rest which remaineth for the people of
God, was on the 26th of January, 1748, in the forty-second
year of his age. Mr. Callender not only lived to secure the
reputation of the scholar and gentleman, but what is infinitely
more valuable, the reputation of a liberal-minded, pious, and
devoted christian.
His Historical Sermon, preached in March, 1738, has immor-
talized his name. It breathes the same spirit of rehgious
freedom and liberality of sentiment, that distinguished the names
of Clarke, Coddington, and their associates.
His remains lie in the burial place in Tanner- street, Newport,
beside John Clarke, which render it a consecrated spot.
The following inscription was composed by Dr. Moffat, a
celebrated physician of Newport :
" Confident of awakening, here roposeth,
JOHN CALLENDEE,
Of very excellent endowments of nature,
And of an accomplished education,
Improved by application, in the wide circle
Of the more polite arts, and useful sciences,
IFrom motives of conscience and grace.
He dedicated himself to the immediate service
Of God,
In which he was distinguished as a shining
And very burning light, by a true and faithful
Ministry of seventeen years, in the First Baptist
Church of Rhode Island ; where the purity
And evangelical simplicity of his doctrine, confirmed
And embellished by the virtuous and devout tenor
Of his own life.
Endear' d him to his flock, and justly conciliated
The esteem, love, and reverence of all the
Wise, worthy, and good.
Much humility, benevolence, and charity
Breathed in his conversation, discourses, and
Writings,
Which were all pertinent, reasonable, and usefuL
Regretted by all, lamented by his friends, and
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388 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
Deeply deplored by a Wife, and numerous issue,
He died
In the forty-second year of his age,
January 26th, 1748,
Having struggled through the vale of life
In adversity, much sickness, and pain,
"With fortitude, dignity, and elevation of soul,
Worthy the Philosopher, Christian, and Divine."
Mr. Oallender was succeeded in the pastoral office by the
Rev. Edward Uphanij who continued with them for more than
twenty years, when, by death, he was removed from his labors,
to that rest that remaineth for the people of God.
The eighth pastor of this church, was the Eev. Erasmus
Kelley. He accepted the call of the church in 1771, and con-
tinued in the faithful discharge of his duty until 1778, when the
meeting-house being used as a barrack for the troops of King-
George, he removed to Warren. But, in a few mpnths, the
enemy followed him to that place, and burnt the house in
which he resided, and destroyed his valuable furniture.
In 1784, Mr. Kelley returned to Newport, and resumed his
pastoral labors among his flock. But they were, however, of
short continuance, for, on the 7th of November following, he
was removed by death.
The ninth pastor was the Eev. Benjamin Foster, D. D. Mr.
Eoster commenced his labors with the church on the first
sabbath in January, 1785, and, on the 5th of June following,
was installed to the pastoral office. He contineud with them
for three years, when he received and accepted a call from the
Eirst Baptist Church in New- York. Mr. Eoster was a man
of superior intellect, and of high Uterary attainments. He was
well versed in the Greek, Hebrew, and Chaldean languages.
In 1789, the Eev. Michael Eddy became the pastor of this
church, the duties of which office he continued to discharge
for almost half a century. He possessed a liberal mind, was a
pleasant companion, and in the sick-room, and at the bedside
of death, he excelled. Mr. Eddy departed this life on the
3d day of June, 1835, in the seventy-fifth year of his age
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THE SECOK© BAPTIST CHURCH. 339
respected and beloved by his friends, in the church and congre-
gation, and by the inhabitants of Newport. If greatness
consists in goodness, then was Elder Eddy worthy of the
appellation. During his labors of love in the church, he bap-.,
tized mare than five hundred, many of whom have been removed
by death, and some remain unto this day. He was assisted
one year, by the Eev. J. M'Kensie, of Newport
The Eev. Arthur A. Eoss was installed March 11th, 1835,^
^nd remained with them a few years.
The present pastor is the Eev, So Adlani, who continues to
be popular witb his people.
THE BECONB BAPTIST CHURCH.
In 1656, twenty-one members of the First Baptist Churcb in
Newport, withdrew themselves, and formed the Second Baptist
Church in this town. These brethren objected to the original
church, in her use of psalmody, restraints upon the Uberty of
prophesying, and holding the laying on of hands a matter of
indifference, which they regarded -as binding on all believers.
The grounds for this schism will be looked npon at this day
^s too trivial to cause a separation. This very church, now^, has
an organ, agreeably to the directions of the sweet singer of
Israel, " Praise Him upon the organ, and let every thing that
hath breath, praise the Lord." It shows the progress which
has been made in the science of music, by conforming to the
letter and spirit of the Bible. It w^as viewed by these brethren
as sin for any to engage in sacred music but the professed
members of the church, and this without the least regard to
»Grder. A choir w^as looked upon as -an infringement, and
at variance Avith the teachings of the apostles. The tuning
fork, the pitch-pipe, was horrible, and w^hen the big fiddle, as
it was then called, was introduced into the sanctuary, it was an
innovation, which could not for a moment be tolerated. But,
alas ! those days of scriptural simplicity have fled, and now^ the
organ is thought to be a necessary appendage, and its absence
renders the services far less interesting. It is stated, that when
Bishop Berkeley was in this country, he offered an organ to the
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340 HISTORY OF HHODE ISLAND
Congregational Churchy in Berkley, Massachusetts, whieli they
refused to accept. It was then presented to Trinity Church,
Newport. How are the times changed 1 The town of Berkley
was named in honor of the prelate.
The iirst pastor of this Church was theEev. William Yaughan^
who continued with them till his death, in 1677.
The second was the Eev. Thomas Baker,, who subsequently
settled in North Kingston. He was succeeded by the Eev,
John Harden, who died in 1700.
The fourth pastor was the Eev, James Clarke, nephew of Dr.
John Clarke. He was assisted in the discharge of his pastoral
duties by tho Eev. Daniel Whitman, who succeeded him in that
office, in 1704,
In 1729, Mr.. John Comer became a member of this churchy
and as Mr. Whitman was now aged and infirm, the church invi-
ted Mr, Comer to assist him in the ministry. Mr, Clarke died
in 1736, aged eighty-seven years.
After the death of Mr. Clarke^ the church invited Mr. Nicho-
las Eyers to become the colleague of Mr. Whitman^ in which
he continued until Mr. Whitman^ death, m 1750. Mr. Eyer©
died in 1759.
He was succeeded by the Eev. Gardiner Thurston, who con-
tinued to discharge the duties of a minister of Jesus Christ
with great faithfulness and success for more than forty years,-
when increasing infirmities of age pressed heavily upon him^
and he applied to his beloved flock to procure an assistant,. tO'
relieve him from some part of his arduous labors^^ Mr. Thurs-
ton was not distinguished for superior talents ; but he possessed,
in a very eminent degree, what is infinitely more valuable^— a
heart deeply imbued with the spirit of his divine Master, which
led him to labor untiringly in his service, "Under his ministry^
the' church was united in love,, and many were the trophies of
redeeming grace, through his mstni mentality. He was assist-
ed for a few months by the Eev. Thomas Dunn ; after him, by
the Eev. William Peckhamy a hcentiate and member of the
church.
In 1799, the Eev. William Collier, of Boston, was invited to'
labor as the assistant of Mr. Thurston. But in 1801, the ven-
erable servant of God, knowing that the time of his departure
was at ha^nd, earnestly entreated his people to procure a pasto!?.
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SECONB BAPTIST CHURCH. 341
and release him from the responsibilities of his charge. Ac-
cordingly, in May of that year, he was permitted to witness
the settlement of the Eev. Joshua Bradley as his successor in
the pastoral office. Mr. Thurston died the following year, aged
©ighty-two. " The memory of the just is blessed.""
In October, 1807, the Rev. Mr. Gibson became their pastor;
which office he held till March^ 1815, when he requested and
received a discharge from the pastoral charge of the church.
Mr. Gribson 'was very successful in building up the cause of
Christ, and many will have occasion to rejoice forever, who were
made recipients of divine grace through his instrumentality.
The Rev. Samuel Widown was his successor, who continued
with the church until 1817, when the Eev. Mr. Elton w^as invi-
ted to become its pastor, and was ordained on the 11th of June,
of the same year. During the year 1820, more than one hun-
dred were added by baptism. In 1822, Mr. Elton, having re-
ceived a call from the Baptist Church in Windsor, Vermont,
requested a dismission, which was reluctantly granted by his
affectionate people.
Mr, Elton was succeeded in the pastoral office by the late
lamented Gammell, December 10, 1823- Mr. Gammell's ca-
reer was short, but brilliant ; on the 31st of May, 1827, he sud-
denly expired, in the full hope of a glorious immortality. Mr.
Gammell was no ordinary man ; v/hat was wanting in classical
education, was more than made up in native talent That stiff-
i^ess and formality which is often the result of an imperfect
training, was not witnessed in his case. There was an inde-
pendence of character displayed in his public efforts, which
showed that he felt his accountability to his God, and not to
man. His death was not only deeply afflicting to his family and
the church of God, but lamented by thousands who had with
pleasure hung upon his hps, as the ambassador of Heaven, and
listened to the impassioned eloquence of his soul.
On the 27th of September following, the Rev. J. 0. Choules
was inducted into the pastoral office. On the 3d of January^
1833, Mr. Choules tendered his resignation as pastor of the
church, which was accepted on the 25th of the same month.
In December, 1833, Rev. John Dowling was called to the
pastoral charge, which call he accepted. On the 27th of March
followingj he was publicly recognized as their pastor. On the
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342 HISTOPvY OF RHODE ISLAND.
20th of July, 1836, Mr. Bowling tendered bis resignationy
which was accepted.
The Eev. Timothy G-. Freeman was invited to become pastor
of this chnrch, on the 15th of January, 1837, which invitation
he accepted, and w'as set apart to that office on the 16th of
March following.
There is a ministerial fund of $8,000, left by the late Judge
Taber, as also $1,000 for a poor fund^ f^r th© benefit of the-
©hurchv
Sf€mTY OF FRIENDS, OR QdAKEHS^.
The exact time- when the Society of Eriends of Quakers
formed themselves into a body for church government, cannot
now be actually stated. When William Leddra and Marma-
duke Stephenson came to Newport, in the year 1658 or '59^
they found their brethren here; and Daniel Gould, the first
minister they have any account of in Newport, went to Boston
with them, where the two first named were hanged, and Gould
severely whipped at the carriage- of a great gun, as appears by
his account, written by himself, and pubhshed in 1700. The first
records of the monthly meeting commenced- in the year 1676.
But it is evident that they were^ farmed into ,a society previ-
ous to that time, as John Burnyeat, a minister here from Eng-
land, speaks in his Journal of attending a yearly meeting in
Newport, as early as 1671 ; and George Pox the following
year, 1672, which was held at the house of William Godding-
ton. In early times, the society was very large. About one-
half the population, in 1700, were of that persuasion^ and in
that year they built the meeting house in which they now wor-
ship.
There have been many ministers, and other conspicuous mem^-
bers of that society, who lived in Newport and its vicinity. The
most distinguished ministers who appeared among them ^. were
Daniel Gould, John Hewlett, Ebenezer Slocum, Thomas Cor-
nell, Samuel Ereeborn, William Anthony, Gov. John Wanton^
Joseph Wanton, Dr. Clarke Eodman, John Casey, Christopher
Townsend, Joseph Michel, Isaac Lawton, David Buffum, Ja-
®ob Mott. and many others., The Mott family have ever been
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THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 343
highly respectable ; the property has continued in the family
from the early settlement of the Island, and the sixth Jacob
now occupies the homestead. General Nathaniel Greene's
mother was Mary, the daughter of Jacob Mott, of Portsmouth,
E. I. Like ^ary, the mother of Washington, she gave an im«
press to his character, which rendered him highly distinguished.
He was brought up in the religious principles of the Society
of Priends, of which his father was a preacher. He early be-
came fond of a military life, and was most active in forming the
miUtary company known as the Kentish Guards. General
Greene's abilities soon attracted notice, and he was particularly
distinguished by George Washington, who deservedly placed
great confidence in his talents and judgment. When the army
was formed, he was appointed Major- General. Gen. Greene
was born at Potowamet, in the township of Warwick, P. I.,
on the 22d of May, 1742. The estate is still in possession of
his family. He died at Savannah, Geo., aged forty-seven
years.
Since the Kevolutionary war, the Society has decreased in
Newport, and on the Island. There are, however, a respecta-
ble number, who meet, both at Newport and at Portsmouth,
and hold regular meetings in the middle of the w^eek, on
Thursdays and Sundays.
Previous to the war of the Eevolution, their meeting house
was well filled, above and below ; but at tha.t time many of its
most wealthy members removed to other places, and never re-
turned — and it is now remarked that there are but few settle-
ments of Priends in the State of New York, or in Vermont,
where the seed of Ehode Island is not to be found. And it is
now easily shown, that within forty years, more of this Society
have removed from the Island, than now dwell upon it.
This Society, at one period of the settlement, say from 1660
to 1760, was very influential in the government of the Colony.
A large proportion of its Governors and other oflacers, were of
that denomination. Among whom may be enumerated Wm.
Ooddington, Nicholas Easton, John Easton, Walter Clarke, and
Henry Bull, who died the last of the first settlers ; and John
Wanton, Gideon Wanton, and Governor Hopkins, were all
members of the Society.
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344 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
SABBATTARIAN, OR SEVENTH DAY BAPTIST CHURCH,
This church was constituted in 1671. Several members of
Mr. Clarke's church, entertaining conscientious scruples in re-
gard to keeping the first day of the week as the Christian Sab-
bath, withdrew from the fellowship of that church, and organ-
ized^ themselves into a church, with Mr. Wilham Hiscox as then'
leader. He died May 24, 1704, in the 66th year of his age.
The second pastor of this church was Eev. William Gibson,
of London. He died March 12th, 1717, aged seventy-nine.
He was succeeded by Eev. Joseph Crandall, who died in
1737.
Their next pastor was Eev. Joseph Maxson, who was ordained
as an Evangehst at Newport, Oct. 8th, 1732, and preached
alternately at Newport and Westerly, serving the church with
great faithfulness until his death, which occurred in September,
1748.
Elder John Maxson was the fifth pastor of this church, from
the year 1754 until his death, in March, 1778.
Mr. Ebenezer David, who was converted in Erown Univer-
sity, during his collegiate course of study, became a member of
this church, and was ordained May 31, 1775. He accepted a
place of chaplain in the army, in which office he died, near
Ehiladelphia, March 19th, 1778.
Mr. William Bhss became their next pastor. He was admit-
ted as a member of the church, June 7th, 1764, and was or-
dained an evangelist at Hopkinton, Dec. 7th, 1779, and
was installed pastor of this church, Dec. 25th, 1780. He con-
tinued faithfully to discharge the duties of his office until his
death, which occurred May 4th, 1808, aged eighty-one years.
Elder Bliss owned a farm at '' Green-End," where he resided.
His second wife was the sister of Gov. Ward. The relation-
ship of the people of the Island, either by blood or marriage, is
quite remarkable, when the matter is investigated. They seem
to be one family. Elder Bhss was a fine sportsman, and the
neighborhood where he resided furnished much game at that
period. The precision with which he took aim, and his great
success, led the British, who were often present to witness his
skill, to think they had a formidable enemy to encounter in the
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SEVENTH DAY BAPTIST CHURCH. 345
Yankees. His remains lay buried in the family burial ground
at Green-End.
On the Bliss farm are excavations, known as the *' Bliss Mines."
Tradition says " it was the work of money diggers," who beheved
that treasure was hidden there. Of their success we have no means
of knowing. It w^as a judicious remark of an eminent professor,
that " the most gold lay under the ploughshare." Some of late
have attempted to invest these subterraneous passages with the
marvellous, in order to excite interest in the minds of the credu-
lous and unsuspecting. They suggest that it was the chosen
retreat of the noted Kid, where he deposited his plunder, and
its proximity to the ocean rendered it a safe and convenient re-
treat from his enemies. This, however, being of recent origin,
should be received with caution, as it carries on its front a
strong appearance of fiction.
Since penning the above, we have conversed with Captain
Jeremiah Bhss, now in the 82d year of his age, (the son of Elder
Bhss.) He remarked : " I have often heard my father say that
the excavations were made by his father, in the hope of finding
treasure, which he imagined was buried there."- If there was
no tradition on the subject, its first appearance would lead the
mind to the behef that it was the work of nature. But on a
more careful examination it will be found to have been the work
of art, as the drills in the rock are plainly visible. The passage
from the " Mine" to Easton's Pond, was undoubtedly Resigned
for a drain to carry off the water. It is, on the whole, quite a
curiosity, and worthy of notice for its antiquity, without making
it the abode of smugglers.
The last pastor, Eev. Henry Burdick, was admitted as a mem-
ber of this body, January 30, 1802, and was ordained to the
work of the Gospel ministry, December 10, 1807. He continued
to labor with them until his death, which occurred October 22d,
1843. Since that period they have had no regular ministrations.
This church, previous to the Eevolutionary war, embraced a
number of talented and influential men. The Hon. Samuel
"Ward, who for several years was Governor of Ehode Island,
and a member also of the Continental Congress, belonged to this
church. But the war scattered them, and greatly interrupted
their prosperity. Since that time this church has never been
able to recover her former eminence, and for several years past,
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346 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
having but few if any additions, the churcli has gradually de-
creased, so that its present number is but eight, who reside in
Newport. Their first house of worship was built at " Greene
End," near Newport.
THE MORAVIANS, OR UNITED BRETHREN.
In 1758, the Moravians, or United Brethren, constituted a
church in Newport. The origin of this church is as follows :
In 1749, two missionaries, Matthew Beutz, and George Haske,
stopped at Newport, on their way to Surinam. While here,
they formed an acquaintance with the Rev. Timothy Peckham,
a Sabbatarian preacher, who kindly received them at his house,
and introduced them to several pious persons, who desired them
to preach to them the unsearchable riches of Christ. This re-
quest was comphed with, and at their departure deep solicitude
was expressed by their hearers, that a teacher from among the
Brethren might be sent to gather a congregation in Newport.
These Brethren no sooner arrived at their place of destination,
than they wrote to Bethlehem, Penn., and requested that some
of the Brethren at that place, if possible, should make them a
visit. Soon after two Brethren from Bethlehem made them a
visit, and others from time to time, until the constitution of the
church, in 1758.
The first pastor of this church was the Rev. Ei chard Utley.
The second pastor was the Rev. Thomas Yarrell
The third pastor was Rev. Prederick Smith.
These were pastors of the church from its constitution until
the year 1765.
The fourth pastor was the Rev. Lewis Rusmeyer, who held
this oflace from 1766 to 1783.
Prom 1785 to 1802, the Rev. Prederick Smith held the pas-
toral office of this church.
The sixth pastor was the Rev. Samuel Towle, from 1803
to 1819. Mr. Towle was a most estimable man ; he was uni-
versally beloved by the church and the inhabitants of Newport,
and it is a matter of regret that he and his family were not con-
tinued here. It was ascertained after he had left, that the
society in Bethlehem would have afforded her aid in Newport,
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THE FOURTH BAPTIST CHURCH. ^47
witlioiit Km repairing to Bethlehem'. The infirmities of age pre-
vented his laboring much in the service of Christ ; still his pre-
sence was consoling, with those of his amiable wife and twO'
lovely daughters, Marj and Louisa, who have all since passed
into the eternal world.
His successor was Rev. George G-. Miller, who remained with
the church but one year.
In 1821, Eev. John G. Herman became the pastor of the
church, the duties of which office he continued to discharge
until 1823.
The ninth pastor, Eev. Charles A. Van Yleck, served the
church from 1827 to 1834.
The tenth and last pastor was the Eev. Charles E. Seidel,
who commenced his pastoral relations in 1837. For many years
they have been without a shepherd, and the flock has become
greatly reduced. But a few are now to be found in Newport^
and they have connected themselves with other religious bodies^
The influence of this Christian body had a salutary influence on
the hearts of the community ; the weapon which they wielded
was love, and this alone will subdue the evil passions of man's
nature, and fit and quahfy him for heaven.
THE FOURTH BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Fourth Baptist Church in Newport, was orgaiiized June
23, 1783. The original members of the church were nine males^
and these were chiefly from the Second Baptist Church in this
town, who not feehng satisfied to remain in that church, with-
drew and formed another.
They believed that '' where the spirit of the Lord is, there is
liberty," and hence they thought all Christians were called upon
to exhort, and to teach in public. " Also, the liberty and duty
to prophesy or exhort, in all or any meetings of the church, was
most fully recognized and maintained."
The first ministers of the church were Eev. Caleb Greene and
Wilham Moore, who were ordained November 27th, 1796,, and
w^ere succeeded by John Ormsbee, a member of the Baptist
church in North Providence.
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348 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
Mr. Ormsbee was ordained the 1 4th of September, 1821, and
removed to Wickford in 1822. Between this time and 1826,
Elder Greene and Elder James Graham, preached with them a
short time, the last being invited to become their pastor, but
was under the necessity of returning to Beauford, S. C, in con-
sequence of the decease of the minister of the church in that
place. Mr. Graham was a highly acceptable preacher.
The next minister was James A. McKenzie, who was or-
dained to the pastoral office, August 12th, 1830. Mr. McKen-
zie was succeeded by the Eev. Samuel Bobbins, of Buxton,
Me., November, 1835.
This church can now hardly be said to have an existence, no
more than the Sabbatarians and the Moravians. It is painful
to see churches which have once existed, lose their visibility.
METHODIST SOCIETY.
Previous to the year 1805, Newport was occasionally visited
by Methodist clergymen, having oversight of that district of
country in which Newport was situated.
In December, 1805, the presiding elder of this district was
pleased to send to this place the Eev. E. Hubbard, who com-
menced his mission in the Eirst Baptist meeting-house, under
the pastoral care of the Eev. Michael Eddy. Mr. Hubbard
continued here two years, and was succeeded by the Eev.
Messrs. Mervin, Webb, Erost, and Lambert, when the latter
was succeeded by Mr. Webb, who became a Local Preacher,
and remained with the church nine years. He was succeeded
by Messrs. Mudge, Norris, Puffer, Tucker, Kent, Lord, Jansen,
Ely, and Cady.
There is also a small church, of the Methodist denomination,
in Portsmouth, in the north part of the island, which has a
convenient house of w^orship, and is regularly supplied with
the ministry of the word of life.
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ST. Joseph's church. 349
COLORED UNION CHURCH.
In 1824, several indiYiduals of the people of color, among
whom was Newport Gardiner, who subsequently died at Li-
beria, formed themselves into a religious society, under a
written constitution, by the name of the " Colored Union
Church and Society, in Newport, Ehode Island." There is
also among them a society for promoting the education of
colored children and youth, called the " School Friend Asso-
ciation," which sustains an instructress the greater part of the
year. They own and occupy a very neat and commodious
house of worship. Since the purchase of the house in 1835,
it has been raised, and a basemicnt story added, which is
occupied as a school-room, &c.
The people of color, in Newport, are a well-bred class, such
as you seldom meet with elsewhere.
ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH.
Soon after the extensive works at Fort Adams were com-
menced, by the United States, in 1825, Newport was occasion-
ally visited by a Boman Catholic Priest, to look after the
spiritual interests of that class of our population, belonging to
the Catholic Church, many of whom had been induced to
take up their residence in Newport, by finding employment at
the Fort.
The Eev. Eobert D. "Woodley, a native of Virginia, v/as the
first Cathohc Priest that organized a congregation in Newport,
for the accommodation of which, he purchased of E. Trevett,
Esq., in 1828, the school-house, in Barney-street, where divine
service was maintained for several years.
Mr. Woodley resigned his charge in 1831, and was suc-
ceeded by the Eev. John Oorry, who officiated in that congre-
gation, until August, 1837.
In the spring of 1833, Mr. Corry opened a subscription, for
the erection of a church, which was commenced the latter part
of that same year, and completed in 1836. The house is
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850 HISTORY '©F RHODE ISLAND,
spacious, and well-finished, and occupies a commandiBg site
at the head of Barney-street. The estimated cost of lot, build-
ing, &c., was about $4000 ; all of which was contributed, and
paid by the Oathehcs, at Fort Adams.
On the 24th of August, 1837, the church was^ dedicated
under the title of St. Joseph, by the Right Rev. Bishop Fen-
wick, of Boston, Massachusetts. On the following day, the
Rev. Mr. Corry, under whose superintendence the church had
been erected and completed, resigned his charge of the mission^
and was succeeded by the Rev. Constantine Lee.
The Rev. Mr. Corry, in a letter to the Rev. A. Ross, speak-
ing of the people of Newport, says : " It is but just for me to
add, that I have never seen a town in the United States, among
whose inhabitants there is less intolerance and religious bigotry,
I have for six years been more or less among them, and during
that period none have denied me the common civilities of life,
because I was a Cathohc priest, but always treated me with the
greatest respect." And in proof of the practical existence of re-
ligious toleration in Newport, he says : '^ Our church stood for
upward of two years with its windows unprotected by bhnds,
and during that time not one pane of glass was broken."
The high encomium passed on the people of Newport, by the
Rev. Mr. Corry, shews the Cathohc spirit which exists there,
and which is the fruits of the principle of religious toleration
estabhshed by Clarke and Coddington, which Grod grant may
ever continue to influence the people. The Catholic population
of Newport, numbers about five hundred. A very costly edi-
fice of stone is now in the course of completion, which will prove
highly ornamental to the town.
SECOND EPISCOPAL PARISH,
Early in 1 833, the Second Episcopal parish was formed in
this place, by members of Trinity church. After the due or-
ganization of the parish, and an apphcation of the Episcopal
Missionary Convocation of Rhode Island, the Rev. John West
commenced his labors as the minister of the parish. On the 17th
of Marchj 1833., puMic worship commenced in the State House,
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SECOND EPISCOPAL PARISH. 351
from which the congregation soon removed, to the house of the
First Congregational Society, at that time unoccupied. A sub-
scription was immediately opened for building a new church,
which as soon as $600 was subscribed, was commenced. In June
of the following year, the new church was completed and conse-
crated. The cost of the building, including organ and furni-
ture, together with the lot, was about $17,000. Of this sum
about $11,000 was realized from the sale of pews, and the re-
mainder by a noble act of generosity, contributed and paid by
individual members of the corporation.
The Parish has now a fund of nearly $5000 in pews, and of
the hundred and twelve pews in the church, at least one hun-
dred of them are sold or rented. At the present date, this parish
has been but five years in existence, and the contemplation of its
history affords many pleasing evidences that the Divine Head
of the Church has poured upon it the continual dew of his bless-
ing. Accessions have been constantly made to the church, and
on an average, the additions to the communion have been about
thirty a year.
The church from its commencement, has enjoyed great do-
mestic tranquillity and peace. No unhappy difference of opinions
has arisen among them, resulting in unfriendly dissensions and
divisions, or anything found on the pages of her history, to tar-
nish the glory and beauty of the Zion of Grod. The congregation
is large, and their attendance on the pubHc and social services
of the church, worthy of imitation.
This church has engaged in the cause of missions with a
liberality and zeal, becoming the dignity of the Christian char-
acter, and the magnitude and importance of the great mission-
ary enterprise. Their annual contributions for home missionary
purposes in Bhode Island, amount to not less than $150, and for
foreign missions and other benevolent purposes, their contribu-
tions equal, if not exceed that sum.
The present Eector of the church, is the Eev. Mr. Watson, a
man universally respected by his parish, and whose labors have
been eminently successful in advancing the interest of the Ee-
deemer's kingdom in the world.
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352 HISTORY OF RHODE ISLAND.
EPISCOPAL CHURCHES IN PORTSMOUTH.
In the year 1834, a missionary was sent by the Ehode Island
Convocation, to Portsmouth, R. I. A parish was organized,
under the name of St. Paul's Church, and within one year, a
respectable house of worship was erected, and with the aid
of about $1200 in contributions, from Episcopahans in other
places, was entirely paid for. At the same time, a fund was
secured in pews for the support of the minister, amounting to
more than one thousand dollars. The labors of a zealous, de-
voted missionary in that place, have been blessed to the gather-
ing of a respectable congregation, and an addition of about forty
members to the communion of the church.
The Rhode Island Convocation has contributed towards the
support of the minister of the parish, up to the present time,
nearly $2,000.
The church of St. Mary's has been subsequently organized
in Portsmouth, and a neat and tasteful church of stone erected
by the munificence of Miss Sarah Gibbs, the daughter of the
late George Gribbs, Esq., an eminent merchant of Newport.
In Middletown, the Third Episcopal Church has been organ-
ized, and a neat structure has been erected, called the " Church
of the Holy Cross." Rev. Mr. "Williams is the present Rector.
THE UNITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
An Association of gentleman friendly to Unitarian views of
doctrine, was formed in this town, October, 1835. Their ear-
liest meetings for Divine service, were held in the State House ;
in the course of the following month, they purchased of the
Fourth Baptist Society in this place, the chnrch in Mill street.
This church had originally belonged to the First Congregational
Church and Society, over which the celebrated Dr. Hopkins
presided for many years as pastor.
A charter was granted to this Association by the General
Assembly of the State, at their January session, in 1836, incor-
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CHUPvCHES OF THE CHRISTIx\N DENOMINATION. 358
porating them as '' The Unitarian Congregational Church,"
in Newport. Soon after this, the society commenced rebuilding
and remodelHng the old house in Mill-street, worshipping in
the mean time at Masonic Lodge, in Church-street. The work
was completed in the Spring of 1836, and for elegance, neatness,
and taste in its internal arrangements, is perhaps unequalled in
Bhode Island, excepting Trinity church. The new house (for
only the frame of the old building had been retained, together
with the corner-stone^ bearing the inscription, '' For Christ and
Peace,") was dedicated on the 27th of July that same year. The
Eev. Charles T. Brooks of Salem^ Mass., was called as the first
pastor, in Jan., 1837, and ordained June 14th of the same year.
The organization of a church was begun in the summer of 1837.
The Communion of the Lord's Supper was first administered on
Sunday, October 3d, and continues to be administered monthly.
The Kev. Mr. Brooks married a daughter of the late Benj.
Hazard, Esq., of Newport, and continues the able and efficient
pastor of this church, respected and beloved for his amiable
traits of character, which preeminently distinguish him in the
varied walks of Hfe.
CHURCHES OP THE CHRISTIAN DENOMINATION.
There are three churches of this denomination on the Island,
— two in Middletown, and one in Portsmouth. The first
church in Middletown was organized Oct. 14th, 1828. Their
first pastor w^as the Rev. Harvey Sullings, who served the
church with acceptance for nearly five years from its consti-
tution.
They own a very neat and commodious house of w^orship,
about three miles from New^port, erected soon after the organi-
zation of the Church.
The house of the Second Society stands on the east road,
about three miles from Newport.
The church in Portsmouth was constituted Oct. 16th, 1834.
Its first pastor w^as the Rev. Salmon Tobey. His ministry com-
menced with this people in April, 1834, and continued for two
years, during w^hich time six members were added to the
church.
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354 HISTORY OF UHODE ISLAND.
His successor in the pastoral office of this church was the
Eev. John Taylor. He commenced his labors with them on
the 1st of June, 1837. The house in which they w^orship w^as
erected in 1821, by voluntary subscription, and is called the
Union Meeting-House. It is pleasantly located on the east
road about six miles from Newport.
FRIENDS' MEETING-HOUSE.
*' The first date upon record of a new meeting-house at Ports-
mouth, is of a monthly meeting being held at our new meeting-
bouse 2d month 28th, 1702."
There was a house built prior to this, ^' which was sold and
afterwards converted into a barn." As the records of the So-
ciety were mostly destroyed, the exact date of the first house can-
not be ascertained.
The yearly meeting formerly commenced at Portsmouth on
Saturday, but the change in the mode of traveling has led to
the commencement of the services at New^port, as being more
convenient for the Society.
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH, NEWPORT.
In 1847, a portion of the Second Baptist Church seceded,
organized a Church, and invited the Eev. Henry Jackson to be-
come their pastor. He accepted the invitation, and is still
laboring among them. Their place of worship is in Clarke-
street, formerly the Second Congregational house, where the
late Eev. "WiUiam Patten, D. D., labored for nearly half a cen-
tury.
The spirit which has characterized the various religious
bodies on the Island, has been as catholic as could have been
expected in the nature of things. It Avas not to be. presumed
that w^here a diversity of sentiment prevailed, there W'ould be
necessarily a perfect agreement in all things ; but they have
rather agreed to differ on non-essentials, regarding practical
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CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH, 855
Obristianity as tlie sum and substance of evangelical religion.
No where does the character of the Saviour appear more lovely
and attractive, than when his divine power was exercised to
soothe and mitigate the evils of hunger and nakedness, with all
the attendant miseries which flesh is heir to. And the grati-
tude which is evinced by the subjects of His compassion, was in
some degree equivalent to the sincerity which prompted these
humane and benevolent acts. In truth, there is no blessing like
sympathy ;
" It soothes, it hallows, elevates, subdues,
And bringeth down to earth its native heaven.
Life hath nought else that may supply its place ;
Void is ambition, cold is vanity,
And wealth an empty glitter without love."
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[LOgir ©1 ©(U][li©[^Q[il[^:
The Hon. John H. Clarke, United States' Senator, Ehode Island
George B. Holmes, Rhode Island
E. Garrington, Rhode Island
Thomas Bargess, Rhode Island
N. B. Crocker, Rhode Island
The Rt. Rev. J. P. K Henshaw, D.D., Bishop of Rhode Island
J. H. Eames, Rhode Island
Thomas E. Carpenter, Rhode Island
W. S. Greene, Rhode Island
E. Dyer, Jun., Rhode Island
Wilham Grosvenor, Rhode Island
J. Balch, Jr., Rhode Island
VY. B. Burdick, Rhode Island
N. Smith, Rhode Island
Allen Brown, Rhode Island
H. N. Slater, Rhode Island
Benoni Harris, Rhode Island
R. Newcoml), Rhode Island
George Z. Earl, Rhode Island
Marshall Woods, Rhode Island
E. P. Mason, Rhode Island
E. B. Burges, Rhode Island
Thomas Sukill, Rhode Island
S. Ang. Arnold, Rhode Island
C. G. Dodge, Rhode Island
B. J. Brown, Rhode Island
R. J. Arnold, Rhode Island
James R. Brown, Rhode Island
Benjamin Co well, Rhode Island
The Hon. A. C. Greene, TJnited States' Senator, Rhode Islana
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3i8 LIST OP SUBSCRIBERS^
John H. Ormsbee, Ehode Island
B. D. "Weeden, Ehode Island
Eesolved Waterman, Ehode Island
Alpheus Burges, Ehode Island
Prince Davis, Ehode Island
Eichard Waterman, Ehode Island
Nelson H. Mowry, Ehode Island
H. 0. Gardiner, Ehode Island
H. B. Lyman, Ehode Island
H. W. Bradford, Ehode Island
Hartford Tinglej, Ehode Island
WilHam 8. Patten, Ehode Island
John I. Hall, Ehode Island
George Grinnell, Ehode Island
Albert S. Gallup, Ehode Island
T. D. Eound, Ehode Island
Charles Potter, Ehode Island
S. Dorr, Ehode Island
Baker T. Wesson, Ehode Island
J. 0. Brown, Ehode Island
S. G. Arnold, Ehode Island
A. D. Smith, Ehode Island
W. Snow, Ehode Island
James Mulchahey, Ehode Island
John 0. Tower, Ehode Island
Samuel Merry, Ehode Island
George Alexander, Ehode Island
Benjamin Allen, Ehode Island
Alexander Eddy, Ehode Island
W. B. Sayles, Ehode Island
Lewis L. Miller, Ehode Island
Hon. N. E. Knight, Ehode Island
J. D. Burgess, Ehode Island
Gideon Palmer, Ehode Island
Hon. Charles Jackson, Ehode Island
Ebenezer Wood, Ehode Island
WilHam H. Bogman, Ehode Island
E. A. Webster, Ehode Island
James T. Hawes, Ehode Island
Honorable A. Simons, Ehode Island
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LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 359
John B. Herreshoff, Ehode Island
Samuel Dexter, Rhode Island
Edward R. Young, Ehode Island
Menzies Sweet, Rhode Island
Wilham Eletchcr, Rhode Island
Bailey W. Evans, Rhode Island
Thomas Yernon, Rhode Island
Nathaniel G-. B. Dexter, Rhode Island
Henry Marchant, Rhode Island
Honorable Tristam Burges, Rhode Island
H. Eoster, Rhode Island
Samuel Marlor, Rhode Island
Hezekiah Allen, Rhode Island
■Wilham P. Bullock, Rhode Island
Samuel Osgood, Rhode Island
John B. Ames, Rhode Island
Thomas G-reene, Rhode Island
Thomas 0. Hartshorn, Rhode Island
A. Caswell, Rhode Island
Elisha Harris, Rhode Island
Earl Carpenter, Rhode Island
Wilham T. Pierce, Rhode Island
C. L. Bowler, Rhode Island
H. Barker, Rhode Island
E. Ham, Rhode Island
Miss Goddard, Rhode Island
W. A. Clarke, Rhode Island
Wilham G-ardner, Rhode Island
Benjamin Watson, New^-York
ReV. Evan M. Johnson, New- York
Right Rev. Benjamin T. Onderdonk, D.D., New- York
Rev. Samuel Sebury, D.D., New- York
Charles H. Russell, New -York
Rev. S. H. Tyng, D.D., New- York
T. R. Minturn, New-York
R. R. Ward, New-York
J. Ward, New- York
Rev. Q. T. Bedell, New-York
Honorable J. Prescott Hall, New- York
€. A. Busteed, New- York
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360 LIST OF STJBSCUIBERS,
John Bristed, Kew-York
Rev. William Berrian, D.D., New- York
Rev. William E. Eigenbrodt, New-York
David P. Hall, New-York
Rev. 0. S. Henry, New- York
R. B. Minturn, New-York
Rev. Ed. Y. Higbee, D.D., New- York
Right Rev. J. M. Wainwright, D.D., New- York
Commodore M. C. Perry, United States' Navy
August Belmont, New- York
Rev. J. E. Schroeder, D.D., New- York
William D. Mumford, New-York
B. A. Mumford, New- York
Rev. Erancis L. Hawks, D.D., New-York
A. Bloomer Hart, New-York
Major- Gen. Winfield Scott, United States' Army, New- York
Rev. W. H. Lewis, D.D., New- York
Rev. B. 0. Cutler, D.D., New-York
Rev. Erancis Yinton, D.D., New-York
Rev. Benjamin Evans, D.D., New- York
Rev. Lewis P. W. Balch, New-York
Rev. Jesse Pound, New- York
Right Rev. Henry J. Whitehouse, B.D., New- York
M. W. Dwight, New-York
Gold S. Silliman, New York
John S. Stone, New- York
Isaac Parclee, New -York
W. A. Muntr avers. New- York
R. S. Howland, New- York
W. Everett, New- York
Cornelius R. Duffie, New-York
Clement C. Moore, New-York
WilUam J. Hoppin, New- York
G. Curtis, New-York
S. Cahoon, Jun., New- York
Thomas D. M' Gee, New- York
Rev. Benjamin I. Haight, D.D., New- York
Samuel Hazard, New-York
Joseph Harrison, New- York
Thomas R. Hazard, Portsmouth, Rhode Island
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LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 361
J. H. Gilliot, New- York
John Caswellj New-York
R. "W. Buloid, New-York
R. Biiloid, New-York
E. M. Olyphant, New York
8. A. Crapo, New-York
Hamilton Hoppin, New-York
Peleg Hall, New- York
George Collins, New- York
Frederick A. Parley, New-York
Mrs. E. H. Thurston, New-York
Silas Holmes, New-York
George S. Coe, New-York
L. P. Eobinson, New-York
James E. Gorton, New-York
"William Ohilds, New- York
James Pellows, New -York
Eichard Cornell, New- York
James S. Tilley, New- York
P. M. Abercrombie, New- York
Thomas A. "Whitaker, New- York
James Jacobs, New- York
C. A. Talbot, New- York
S. H. Cahoon, New-York
J. Greenwood, New-York
Henry B. Melville, New-York
George 0. Tupper, New-York
G. L. Willard, New York
Z. Ingalls, New-York
A. G. Peckham, New- York
Stanton Bebee, New-York
Edward Anthony, New-York
Isaac H. Cady, New-York
A. B. Thomas, New- York
C. B. Le Baron, New-York
John Davol, New-York
J. A. Sprague, New-York
Nehemiah Knight, New-York
Philip Tihinghast, New-York
Wilham Brenton Greene, New- York
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362 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Edwin Hoytj New- York
Elbert J. Anderson, New- York
Mrs. Martha M. Anderson, New- York
L. M. Eoffman, New- York
Waldon Pell, New-York
Henry H. Ward, New-York
E. H. M'Ourdy, New-York
Isaac Otis, New -York
H. 0. De Eham, New- York
Charles Marsh, New- York
0. L. Anthony, New- York
Mrs. Auchmuty, New- York
Eobert W. Aborn, New- York
G-. M. Grardiner, New- York
James N. Olney, New- York
Charles Oongdon, New- York
M. H. Grinnell, New- York
Joseph Bridgham, New- York
John Jay, New- York
George E. Sheldon, New- York
Isaac Arnold, New- York
Thomas T. Sheffield, New- York
D. H. Gould, New- York
John E. Bigley, New- York
"W. A. Work, New- York
C. Y. Spencer, New-York
T. W. Wilber, New-York
John E. PhiUips, New- York
H. T. Wetmore, New- York
N. Geffry, New- York
D. S. Kennedy, New- York
Wilham Ellery Sedgwick, New-York
S. T. Caswell, New-York
C. H. Van Brunt, New- York
John D. M^Kenzie, New- York
Francis B. Cole, New- York
Wilham H. Douglass, New-York
Pierre C. Kane, New- York
Samuel Johnson, New-York
Eobert T. Douglas, New- York
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LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 363
M. Douglas, New- York
T. J. Oarr, New-York
O. G-. Snow, New-York
P. G-. Taylor, New-York
Henry Euggles, New- York
Samuel Ward, New- York
Hon. George Bancroft, New-Yorl:
Stephen William Smith, New-York
J. H. Mahony, New- York
A. Gracie King, New- York
Howard 0. Cady, New- York
James Edwards Smith, New- York
Edward Dodge, New- York
€. Jenks Smith, New-York
Bev. Thomas H. Skinner, Jun., New-York
W. B. Lawrence, New-York
•Rev. G. Spring, D.D., New- York
Eev. Erskine Mason, D.D., New-York
Eev. J. M'Elvoy, D.D., New-York
Eev. W. W. Phillips, D.D., New- York
Eev. W. Patton, D.D., New- York
Eev. Joseph 0. Stiles, New- York
B. D. SiUiman, New- York
E. W. Dickinson, New- York
A. A. De Motte, New-York
Charles Dickinson, New-York
John B. Ward, New- York
Eev. George Potts, D.D., New- York
Eev. John M. Krebs, New-York
George Dickinson, New- York
Eev. I. S. Spencer, D.D., New- York
Ealph Malbone, New- York
Eev. M. W. Jacobus, D.D., New-York
Eev. Samuel D. Burchard, D.D., New- York
Eev. John Knox, D.D., New- York
William Dumont, New- York
Eev. Samuel H. Cox, D.D., New- York
Eev. John M. Macauley, New-York
Eev. N. J. Marselus, New-York
Eev. James Benjamin Hardinbugh, D.D., New- York
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864 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS,
Thomas Adams Emmet, New- York
0. Ohamplin, New-York
J. J. Lyons, New- York
Samuel R. Johnson, Brooklyn, Long Island
Ezekiel Ostander, New- York
John H. Baker, New-York
P. Balen, New- York
J. Eich, New- York
S. Knowlton, New- York
E. K. AlBurtis, New-York
Horace Southmayd, New- York
Eev. Henry Chase, New-York
Eev. 8. H. Cone, D.D., New-York
A. C. Wheat, New- York
Eev. William E. WilHams, D.D., New- York
John C. Thatcher, New. York
John H. Ormsbee, Jun., New- York
Samuel P. Eobinson, New -York
Samuel J. Jacobs, New-York
James Eobinson, New -York
Eight Eev. John Hughes, D.D., New- York
WiUiam Eichmond, New- York
Cyrus H. Pay, New- York
David BufFum, New-York
Eev. Ira E. Steward, New- York
T. B. Stillman, New-York
Benjamin Babcock, NewY^ork
Charles D. Ehody, New-York
Courtlandt Palmer, New-York
Eev. E. H. Ohapin, New- York
, Eev. M. S. Hutton, P.P., New- York
Eev. J. M. Mathews, P.P., New- York
Eobert 8. Slocum, New-York
J. Guidicine, New-York
W. Ames, New-York
Eev. N. Baird, P.P., New-York
Theodore Pehore, New- York
John E. Van Nest, Jun., New-York
H. William Channing, New- York
Samuel L. Bush, New- York.
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LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 865
E. Martin, New-York
John Blunt, Brooklyn
J. W. Brinley, New- York
Edward Brinley, United States' N"aw
Ezra Jones, New- York
L. W. Gibbs, New- York
Edward Macomber, New- York
W. W. Eussel, New- York
W. C. Eussel, New-York
Edward J. Ma nee, New-York
Joseph W. Taggart, New-York
J. H. "Weston, New- York
D. Bigkr, New-York
Bev. James M. Macdonald, New- York
John 0. Gruldin, New-York
James Ooggeshall, New-York
Isaac T. Hopper, New- York
John H. Bevier, New- York
W. 0. Rowers, New- York
PhiUp 8. Crooke, Brooklyn
Blandina Dudley, Albany
Eev. J. K Hobart, New York
A. Le Barbie, New- York
W. B. Ogden, New-York
B. B. Grinnell, New- York
Eobert A. Burfee, New- York
George 8. Easton, New- York
P. W. Engs, New-York
Edward Minturn, New- York
Augustus Whiting, New- York
J. Thorndike, New-York
Benjamin B. Hawkins, Ehode Island
E. E. Newton, Ehode Island
Timothy Ooggeshall, Ehode Island
J. Thayer, Ehode Island
George Jones, Ehode Island
E. P. Lee, Ehode Island
M. H. Gould, Ehode Island
T. E. Hunter, Ehode Island
Charles Hunter, Ehode Island
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366 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS,
Hon. H. Clay, Ashland, Ky.
James Atkinson, Ehode Island
Samuel B. Yernon, Ehode Island
Thomas Brinley, Ehode Island
Alfred Hazard, Ehode Island
E. B. Lawton, Ehode Island
Charles Barriall, Philadelphia, Pa.
"WiHiam Y. Taylor, Ehode Island
Eev. D.. E.. Brewer, Ehode Island
Eev. Thomas E. Lambert, United States' Navy
Levi H.. Gales, Kew Orleans
Sarah Bailey, Ehode Island
Joseph I. Bailey, Ehode Island
Henry Bull, Ehode Island
D. 0. Millett, Ehode Island
S. Gibbs, Ehode Island
Eev. W. Williams, Ehode Island
IST. B. Crocker, Ehode Islaad
Hon. Byron Diman, Ehode Island
William G. Hammond, Ehode Island
Wilham H. D'Wolf, Ehode Island
E. King, Ehode Island
Mrs.. T. H. Sweet, Boston, Ms.
Eobert E.. Carr, Ehode Island
Mrs. L. M. Breese, Ehode Island
Mrs. George Engs, Ehode Island
John Hopper, Ehode Island
Eev. H. Potter, D.D., Albany, New- York
Samuel Brown, Ehode Island
Jenny Lind, Stockholm
H. Allen Wright, Ehode Island
De Lancey Kane, New- York
Albert Sumner, Ehode Island
Charles Lyman, New-York
T. Tompkins, Ehode Island
William B. Spooner, Ehode Island
Mrs. I. D. M. Perry, Ehode Island
Henry Waterman, Ehode Island
Thomas Brownell, United States' Navy, New York
Alexander Burgess, Ehode Island
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LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 367
W. B. Eurdick, Rhode Island
Mrs. James, Rhode Island
Samuel Allen, Rhode Island
James B. Bliss, Rhode Island
D. H. Braman, Rhode Island
Jeremiah G. Bhss, New-York
John 0. Patton, New-York
John "W. Richmond, New- York
"Wilham R. Andrews, New- York
W. R. Danforth, New-York
Hon. Charles T. James, United States' Senator, Rhode Island
J. Bullock, New- York
Washington Hoppin, New- York
Edward Seagrave, New-York
"Wilham Wiley, New -York
Edward J. O'Brien, New-York
Bernard O'Reilly, New- York
Wilham 0. Ohapin, New-York
William Newton, New-York
D. T. Swinburne, New-York
Samuel Adlam, New-York
James Eitton, New- York
Wilham Sanford Rogers, New- York
Major Gr. W. Patten, United States' Army
Ool. Gates, New-York
James Cook Richmond, New-York
Jacob Babbitt, New- York
Honorable John Brown Erancis, Rhode Island
Joseph L. Grardner, New- York
Charles Smith, New- York
Robert Rogers, New -York
Charles C. Burdick, New- York
Rev. J. Stokes, New-York
George J. Bailey, New -York
Oliver Potter, New-York
Edward Van Zandt, New- York
Joseph Sherman, New-York
Albert Sherman, New-York
Wilham J. Roberts, New-York
■ T. W. Sherman, United States' Arrny
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368 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS
Joseph Josleu, New- York
James Brickhead, New-York
Mrs. Harriet L. Murray, New-York
William Littlefield, New York
A. B. Belknap, New^-York
E. L. Maitland, New-York
O. J. Chafee, New-York
J. P. Darg, New-York
A. Bobeson, Jud., New- York
R. S. Satterlee, New-York
Alleyne Otis, New-York
Bichard Peterson, New- York
Benjamin J. Cahoone, New-York
Marshall 0. Slocum, New-York
Andrews Norton, New- York
Bobert S. Hone, New- York
J. S. Hone, New-York
Hon. Levi Woodbury, New Hampshire
Samuel Powel, Bhode Island
James Burdick, New-York
James 0. Porsyth, New-York
B. B. Hazard, Jun., New- York
Mrs. B. Moss, Philadelphia, Pa.
Joseph L. Moss, Phihidelpbia, Pa.
Henry Lazarus, Philadelphia, Pa.
David Sears, Jun., New- York
Jacob A. Herritt, New -York
Henry Brewerton, Nev\^-York
Bear- Admiral Wormeley
Mrs. Morrish Samuel, New -York
Mrs. Juha Lawrence, New- York
a. H. Calvert, New-York
Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, United States' Senator, Chicago, Til.
Miss Minis, Savannah, Georgia
Joseph Pew, New-York
Isaiah Bogers, New -York
Pehx Beckham, New- York
Jos. B. Weaver, New^-York
J. Gr. Weaver, New-York
David a. Cook, New -York
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LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 369
George M. Dexter, Kew-York
M. A. D'Bruen, New- York
Eichard 0. Derby, JN^ew-York
E. A. Sherman, New- York
A. Eitchie, New- York
T. Eiddeil, New York
A. a. Stout, New- York
J. M. Middleton, New- York
J. S. Pringle, New- York
Nathaniel Greene, New- York
Henry A. Middleton, New-York
P. A. Stockton, New-York
E. M. Mason, Ehode Island
Samuel Allen, New- York
Isaac Gourd, New- York
George Tiffany, Baltimore Md.
S. W. Butler, New-York
W. J. Munro, New- York
E. B. Cranston, New- York
E. M. Munro, New- York
S. A. Gardner, New- York
Amelia De Jongh
Damaris 0. Ohace, New-York
E. G. Wallop, New-York
John Bull, New- York
G. G. King, New- York
A. N. Littlefield, New-York
George W. Taylor, New- York
Joseph Thomas, New-York
Ehsha Atkins, New-York
Mrs. Stephen Bowen, New-York
E. M. Staigg, New-York
Thomas Aston Coffin, New-York
Charles Dereny, New-York
Capt. MacKinnon, E.N., Lymington
Arnold Wilbur, New -York
Wilham S. Vose, New- York
Stephen Hammett, New- York
Joshua Appleby Williams, New-York
Edward A. Hassard, New- York
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370 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Daniel Boone, New-York
Edwin "Wilbur, New-York
John Boss Dix, New-York
W. P. Congdon, New-York
Nathaniel Holt, New-York
Wymbuley Jones, New-York
Mrs. Gr. Jones, New-York
Charles Bnssel, New- York
Euth 0. Thurston, New-York
Gr. W. Sherman, New-York
C. Ehodes, New-York
A. J. Potter, Bath, Me.
William Bailey, New-York
Joseph Case, New-York
Giles Mardeabro' Eaton
Honorable Prank Pierce, President of the United States
Wanton 8. Carr, New- York,
Oliver Hull, New-York
William Burnet, New-York
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THK FOLLOWma TALUABLE BOOKS ARE PUBLISHED BT
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THE DAUGHTERS OF ZION.
BY EEV. S. D. BUE CHARD, D.I>.,
OF NEW YOEK,
Illustrated with 12 fine Steel Engravings »
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MUSINGS OF AM IM¥ALID.
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OPINIONS OF THE PllESS.
A more sincere and 'wholesome protest against the false life and misoeial tend-
encies of the times, we have not met with. Charles Lamb might so have breathed
out his soul after a five years' residence in this comitry. Indeed, our author has
a mind more kindred with that quaint and gentle moralist, than any American who
has written. There is much admirable preaching in this book, which evidently
comes from a heart tried by bitter experiences, and which is conveyed in such
grotesque wit as to commend it to the most unwilling listener. The truth is, the
ook is a disguised sermon upon the folly of worldliness, unbelief, and ill-tempei*.
recited in a thunder-storm of grumbling, with flashes of saturnine humor and
quaint imagination illuminating the preacher's queer but earnest iace.—Ghr^isfimi
Inquirer
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S BOOKS PUBLISHED BY JOKN S. TAYuOR
"Whoever the author may be, however, and whatever may be his bodily state,
he has clearly no need of a physician to " minister to a mind diseased." In an
intellectual sense, the " invalid" lays about him with uncommon vigor, uttering
novel opinions with boldness, wit tempered by wisdom, and wisdom sharpened
with wit. — Home Journal.
He shows a sensibility to the beautiful, and a heart to love what is noble and
true. We have followed the wanderings of his mind, often with the deepest at-
tention, always with interest We have once or twice caught ourselves in sup^
posing that the writer of the " Reveries of a Bachelor" might have had a hand la
tiie authorship. — JSfvemng Post,
This work reminds us of the " Eeveries of a Bachelor," that much-read and
justly commended work of Ike Marvel. The "Musings of an Invalid," like the
*' Reveries of a Bachelor," show great perception of character, as well as a veiy
happy faculty of conveying his impressions to the reader. No one can read this
work without positive benefit, and acquiring more enlarged and truer ideas of the
value of Ufe.— 'Gazette of the Union.
A better book than the "Reveries of a Bachelor." — Da/y Book.
Those who have read the "Lorgnette" papers and "Reveries of a Bachelor,"
by Ike Marvel, with pleasure, can not but enjoy those " Mutterings and Musings,"
and aU who read them, will credit them with great merits. — JUTew Yorker.
His pages are not without wisdom. They are crowded with terse and vigorous
sentences, and prove a reflecting mind and a philosophic nature. — ChriaUcm
This is one of the most delightftil books we have looked into. There is no mis-
taking the source of these "Musings;" they spring from a kindly heart and an
original, refined intellect. To us they seem like the "Reveries" of an old ao-
quaintance (Ike Marvel.)— Jffommgr /S^^cw.
Rarely have we been treated to so fresh, piquant, and nervous a volume.
Every sentence is bold, startling, and replete with vigor, and bears the impress of
a keen, sensible, and original mind. — Long Island Star.
This book is something altogether unique in the literary world. One moment
it reminds us of Charles Lamb, then of some other writer who has charmed us ;
but in the end we are compelled to fall back upon the conviction, that it is de-
cidedly original. It is full of the deepest and most wholesome thought, while a
vein of the richest humor enthralls you. These " Musings" must be the thoughts
of a sick chamber — the veritable siftings of no ordinary mind, breaking loose from
disease now and then, as a fair struggle is given between the strong mind and a
feeble body. The man who wrote this volume must be well worth knowing, if
his identity could be once established. To chat with a mind like that, one hour
Bach day, would be a treat indeed. We have quite set our heart on finding out
who the author is. This bears evidence of being his first literary effort ; may tho
rest only equal it— Pefer«on.'s LaMei^ J^aOonal Maga&ine.
FANCIES OF A WHIMSICAL MAN.
BY THE AUTHOR OF "MUSINGS OF AN INVALID."
1 vol. 12mo, cloth, - - - - - - --$100
OPINIONS OP THE PBBSS.
"The Musings of an Invalid," by the same writer, were well received by care-
ful and judicious critios, and are gaining for their unknown author an enviable
reputation. The present work wlU, we predict, secure a still wider popularity,
and be more acceptable to that class of readers who appreciate well-drawn and
faithful strictures of the fashipnable foibles of modern society, written in a forcible,
plqn^ut s\j^.-' 'Merchamt^ Magamie,
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BOOKS PUBLISHED BY JOHN S. TAYLOR. 3
Otr. Attention has been called to this book, because it has been severely abiaed
In certain quarters, where every thing which is not radical, or which do«s not
savor of infidelity and the " Progress" which is identical with an attempt to de-
stroy all the institutions of civilization and religion, is habitually condemned. We
confess that the title did not much prepossess ns in favor of the work ; but we
must also confess that having once opened it, we very soon arrived at the conclu-
sion that it is one of the very best books of the day, and that the author, who is
unknown to us, is assuredly a man of no ordinary promise. As a specimen of
Barcasm and irony, this little book has rarely been excelled. And the author not
only thinks soundly and conservatively upon all subjects, but he writes with a vigor
and directness which are exceedingly refreshing in this age of namby pambyism,
If there be any fault to find with the author, it is in the severity of his sarcasm
and the unsparing manner in which he lashes the follies, and vices, and absurd-
ities of the day. But even this is atoned for in the manly and fearless defense of
right and of the old-fashioned principles of religion and equity which pervades
this book. — JS/ew York Cownefr and jEnqv4/rer.
"We noticed at some length and with decided favor, the previous work by this
author, the " Musings of an Invalid." The invalid has laid aside his chamber
negligee and come forth as quite a stout and eupeptic man.
The present work has all the spirit of its predecessor, and a far broader range.
It is full of pithy thoughts and sharp sayings. The tone of the book is earnest,
and, on the whole, kindly, respectful to all hearty workers, and somewhat savage
upon aU ambitious theorists. — OTi/risticm Inqmrer.
This new volume is worthy of the reputation acquired by its predecessor, and
will considerably increase the public desire to learn the name of the author. He
certainly wields hfepen with a rare combination of grace and vigor. — Pittsbwrg
Satm'dwy Visitor.
We do not know when we have been more entertained than by the reading oi
this book. It came to us unheralded from an anonymous source. We opened it,
intending simply to glance at the contents, and if they were attractive, to lay the
volume aside for future examination and notice. We had reckoned without our
host. The first few sketches completely enchanted us, and we found ourselves
spirited along from page to page, even to the end. The contents embrace short
chapters, the subjects of which are generally suggested by the doings of the day
in large cities. The thoughts are original, and they are expressed in equally
original language. Sarcasm is a prominent feature of the book ; sarcasm, too, of
the rarest quality. It also abounds in wit and humor of the best quality. —
Oh/wrch^B Bizarre, FhU..
The rich field chosen by the author gives full play to his vigorous and Original
mind, and piquant or nervous style. Those who have read the " Musings," need
not be told that he is just the man to glean and bind up an inimitable sheaf of
" Whimsical Fancies." Its perusal will take the frown off the face of " dull care,"
and thereby cheer and lengthen life, besides communicating many wise, striking,
and improvable thoughts. — Binghampton Dmwc/rat.
We are pleased with this book. There is a quaintness about it that is almost
unrivalled. The satire is gentlemanly, yet suflSciently pungent; and the oddities
are rather more quaint than grotesque. The author has too much feeling to be
severe, and too much generosity of soul to misrepresent. — Hartford Dmly
Oovrcmt.
This is a very clever book, by an author, whose previous work, mentioned in
the title page, has secured for him a favorable reception on this his second ap-
pearance. The sketches are lively and spirited, and the reflections have the great
recommendation of never being tiresome, as sensible reflections so often are. —
J^. T. M&rmig Post
There is a vein of quiet, keen wit running through this book, that holds the
reader as by a charm. The author is certainly a genius of no common order ; and
though he modestly conceals his name, we can not loubt that he has entered on
a career of authorship that will secure to him the i;ghe»t literary distinction.—
Daily Albany Argus.
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I BOOKS PUBLISHED BY JOHN S. TA LO^.
Ill this volume we see the same adventurous, original, philosophic and amusing
genius at work we had occasion to notice some time ago from the sa jie pen, call-
ed "The Musings of an Invalid." The articles are interspersed here and there
with Ihhigs gram aruX facetious^ with a vein of philosophy running; through th«
whole, which always commands readers. TL-i.s, we believe, is the second work
of this original author, but we hope it will not be the last. There is a vein of
thought where this material comes from that is ioort?i working. — Nmo York
Gh/i^isUcm Intelligencer,
The author is evidently an unpracticed writer, but a man of mature thought^
who, as he becomes accustomed to the pen, will attract a constantly increLsing at-
tention from the reading public. He is a httle too careless in his thrusts at what
he deems the follies and vices of the age ; and in his zeal for the truth, sometimes
strikes right and left with more vigor than discretion ; but in spite of his seeming
want of orthodoxy, his heart appears right, and is evidently in his work. The
earnestness thus acquired, joined with a caustic humor, and an original and strik-
ing faculty of illustration, will cause the book to be widely read, even by those
who come more or less under the lash of the writer. Notwithstanding that the
author, under the guise of an editor, speaks posthumously of himself, we trust
that he will not be thus lost to the world, but appear among the armed host thi?
side of the river of death. — N&io York Journal of Oommerce.
SALAMDER AMD THE DRAGON:
A Romance of the Hartz Priso7i.
BY EEEDERICK WILLIAM SHELTON, A.M.,
KEOTOB OF ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, HITNTINGDOIT, LONG ISLAND.
1 vol. 12mo. Illustrated. Full cloth, - - - - - $j 0«,
» " . » 7r
1 vol. 18mo, Sunday-school Edition, . . . - . 6i
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
Since the days of John Bunyan, there has not been given to the Christian work
BO beautiful an allegory as this. Its design is to exhibit the pernicious effects of
slander, and surely no one can contemplate this odious offspring of the depraved
heart as it appears in this fanciful sketch, ^vithout abhorring and despising, thv
reality. The names of the several characters are significantly chosen, and the
grouping is managed with a fine artistic effect. The style comports v/ith tha;
chaste simplicity wliich should characterize an allegory, in which the veil shoukl
not be so elaborately and closely woven as to hide the modest mein of truth be-
neath — I'he Independent {N&io York).
A volume, small and quaint, but very clever ; and we have read it, every lino
of it, at a sitting too, and take the pen in hand to suggest to the reader of this tha
he go and do likewise. Startled he will be at the title, '" Salander and the Dragon,'
but the first page will reveal the story as an allegory, of wliich the great mastei
of that species of writing need not be ashamed. — TJie Presbyterian.
I regard this volume as one of the most successful attempts at the Bunyan style
of alleg;orical writing I have ever read. A copy came into my hands not long
since, and v/as read with absorbing interest. 1 then put it into the hands of my
oldest child, a girl some ten years of age, and found that it was read by hei with
equal avidity, and the characters and delineations well understood — a very good
test, I judge", of the success of the author in the execution of the work. Nd one
can read " Sal.\nder" without bv.ing struck at the unveiling of the true character
and the disastrous consequences of Slander. It ought to find a place iu every
family. — N&io York Gh-istian Ad/vocate am,d Journal.
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BOOKS PUBLISHED BY JOHN S. TAYLOR. 5
A very ingenious use of the allegory, to illustrate the doforraitj- and cvii of SIa7t
ie?- unA Envi/. The excellent lesson is more impressively set forth by this pic-
turesque representation than by any didactic essay, and is much more attractive to
the reader. The author evinces great slvill in the management of the story, and
steady pursuit of a high moral aim. — N'eio York Evangelist.
An allegory well worth reading. Its object is to illustrate, in all its c eformity,
Slander — one of the worst and commonest of the social vices. It is written some-
what in the good old Bunyan style — graphic, poetic, convincing. It will put all
malicioiis gossips to their purgations, who can be induced to read it ; and if a por-
tion of the funds of the American Tract, Bible, and Missionary Societies were ex-
pended in a cheap edition of a million copies of so practical a book as this, the
money would be put to good account. — New York Mirror.
An allegory, designed to illustrate the danger of uttering or listening to insinu-
ations and scandalous detraction. We are glad to see the hideous deformity of
this vice so faithfully exhibited. It requires only to be seen in its true colors, to
excite that detestation which will render its exercise disgraceful, and cause it to be
avoided. — JS^'&w York Joxirnal of Com/merce.
" Salandbk." — Here is an insinuating title for a book ! — Salander ! — how it runs
in the mind, snaky and salamander-like, as though it were related to some ugly
monster ! And so it is, while it tells " A Story of the Hartz Prison," truthful
enough to be recognized by every one — beautiful enough in grace, and flow, and
quaintness of narrative, to fascinate the dullest reader, and yet horrible enough in
its characters accessory to the plot to make one shudder that so foul a fiend should
ever be imprisoned in a human heart. " Salander, a Story of the llartz Prison,"
might have been written by that master allegorist, John Bunyan, to his credit ;
but, for the credit of our time, it is written by ITrederick W. Shelton.
It explains fully how Don Officioso imposed, in the name^a forgery — of the
Lord Conscienza, upon Goodman, keeper of Ilartz Prison, by representing that
this Salander — no other than the green monster, 8lam.der — was sent by Conscienza
(conscience) for mcarceration in Hartz (the heart's) Prison ; also how Salander
vexed Goodman, until his wife Pryint (pry into it) got into the secret, when off she
goes to Bad-Neighborhood, and conjidmitly teUs IVli's. Blab and a host of scandal-
mongers that her husband has brought home a monster ! This is noised speedily
about, laying Goodman and his house under suspicion. To get rid of this, he is
obhged to let Salander out of prison, and thus be quit of the unputation of father-
ing him.
Salander goes forth, cultivates the acquaintance of one Duke d'Envy, and a war
is declared upon Goodnaim, a person heretofore in the confidence of all who knew
him. During the battles between Salander and his host of ragamuflflns and Good-
naim— who stoutly defended himself— the Eairweather Guard and Old Friends of
the latter forsook him, but Goodnaim triumphed. — The New Yorker.
Salander and the Dragon. — Be not startled by this head-line. It is only the
title of a book, and that aii allegory, by the Eev. Mr. Shelton, of Huntingdon, L.I.,
a clergyman of the Episcopal Church.
Salander is a monster, born of Envy, and his name, Avithout cover, is Slander.
Hideous and hateful, his ov/n father is not willing to keep him, but commits him
to the custody of another called Goodman, the jailor of the Hartz Prison. The
struggle of Salander to get out, the food that he is fed on while in this prison of
the Hearty the command of Lord Conscienza, that he shall be kept confined, and
no one shall know of his existence ; how the jailor finally tells his wife that he has
this monster, and she insists on seeing him, and promises never to mention his
existence to any one, and keeps her promise for a whole weok or so, and then
hints it to Mrs. Snapit, and she to Mrs. Tattleby, and she to Mrs. Blab, and she to
Mrs. AYatovit, and so on till all tlie neiglibors came to see the monster, and how
he was finally let loose; — all this, and more, is painted with exceeding skill. Sa-
lander, once at liberty, goes forth to work mischief. He plots the ruin of the castle
Gudnaim, and robs Stella, the wife of the baron, of a priceless jewel which she
wore, more precious thim any gem which ever adorned the casket of an empress ;
and when she was robbed, she pined away and died, and a pure and beautiful
Rhaft was erected to her memory by her faithful husband, with this inscription —
" She healed the hearts of the sorrowful vrhlle living, and broke them when »bi3
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« BOOKS PUBLISHED BY JOHN S. TAYLOR
died." And by-and-by the castle is surrounded by a host of enemies, Malice, and
Backbite, and others, led on by Salander ; and at last the baron is slain, and 6ud«
naim razed to the ground. The jailor who let Salander out of prison, is arrested
by Conscienza, whom he contrived to put to sleep for a while ; but at length being
roused, the Lord smites the jailor, who confesses his guilt, and tries to make some
amends for what he has done. He goes to the ruins of castle Gudnaim, but he
can not find Stella's jewel which Salander stole away ; nor can he rear again the
ruins of the castle ; but he asks where are the baron and his beautiful wife ? he
will humble himself to them ; and he is led into the grave-yard, and is told, they
are here I Conscienza seizes him, and gives him into the hands of a dark fiend
named Bemorse, who scourges him to the very verge of life, when he is told to go
to God for pardon ; and by repentance he seeks and finds peace. This is a scant
and unfair outline of the allegory, which may be read and re-read with profit.
. It is a sermon that ought to be i)reached everywhere. It has a great truth in it
"Who does not know it ? Happy is he who has not felt the bitterness of the mis-
chief which this infernal imp is working in the world. And if Mr. Shelton had
done nothing else than to write this book, he would have lived to good purpose.
"We think the story will be read when he ceases to be heard. — iretuzus. — JV^io
York Observer,
THE LADIES' ILLUSTRATED KEEPSAKE.
With 13 fine Steel Engravings.
EDITED BY PROFESSOR ABBOTT.
1 vol. 8vo, cloth, . - $2 00
« gilt extra, 8 JO
" morocco, - - - - - - -400
VOLUME II.
12 Engravings.
iToLSvo, cloth, t2 00
« gUtextra, J JO
morocco,
400
THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL AWWUAL.
1 vol. 8vo, cloth, gilt extra, $f JJ
morocco,
REFLECTIONS ON FLOWERS.
BY REVi JAMES HERYEY.
niustrated with 12 beautiful Colored Plate:
i TcO, 19mo, cmtn, cTtra Ml gilt, . . • « $1«0
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BOOKS PUBLISHED BY JOHN S. TAYLOR
THE SACRED MOUWTAIMS
BY REV, eC T. HEADLEY,
SvollSmo. ninsti-ated. Full cloth, - - -
" " " gilt edges, - - -
I ToL 18mo. Without the Plates. Sunday-school Edition,
$100
1 60
m
SACRED SCENES AND CHARACTERS^
BY EEV. J. T. HEADLEY
$1 00
150
50
1 Tol. 12mo. Illustrated. Full cloth, - * - -
« « « gilt edges, -
Ivol. ISmo. "Without the Plates. Sunday-school Edition,
OPINIONS OF THE PBESS.
This WOTk may very properly he considered a companion to the " Sacred
M(yimtams,^^ by the same author. Its object is to illustrate and "render more life-
like" the Sacred Writings. It is not the author's design to supersede the Bible ;
but his wish is to excite a solicitude to obtain, and to become intimately acquainted
«nd perfectly familiar with its history, doctrines, and laws ; to know its truth, to im-
bibie its spirit, feel its povrer, and partake of its salvation ; in a word, to prize, in some
measure, as it deserves, this treasure, which is Indeed beyond price. We predict
for it a circulation far beyond any of the author's former works. — TTie News.
This work will add greatly to the reputation of the author. In literary merit,
it more than equals his " Sacred Mountains." Mr. Headley excels in his glowing
style and vivid descriptions. His works are a rich treasury of all the sublimity
of thought, moving tenderness of passion, and vigorous strength of expression,
which are to be found in all languages by which mortals declare their minds. —
2)aUy Globe,
HISTORY OF THE WALDENSES,
BY EEV. J. T. HEADLEY.
Tol. 12mo. Illustrated. Full cloth, f 76
** 18mo. Sunday-school Edition, - - • - - 60
NAPOLEON AND HIS DISTINOUISHED
MARSHALS.
BY EET. J. T. HEADLEY.
IwLlSma moflfrated. F^lldoth, - - - • • $1 00
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LUTHER AMD CROMWELL.
BY BEY. J T. HEADLEY.
1 VOL 12mo. lUustrated. FuU clom, - - - - ^ %i m
RAMBLES A3HD SKETCHES.
BY KEY. J. T. HEAJ)LEY.
lvol.l2mo. lUustrated. Full cloth, - - - - . $100
OPINIONS OF THE PEES3. •
We have not for a long time sat down to a book with more pleasing anticipa-
tions, or found those anticipations more fully realized, than in the perusal of the
■work before us— and we know it will be hailed with gratification by the many ad-
mirers of the talented author. His " Napoleon and his Marshals" was, perhaps,
as popular, and found at least as many enthusiastic readers as any book that can
be mentioned. We think his " Rambles and Sketches" are destined to be as popu-
lar at least as any of his previously published works. There is not a dull chap-
ter in the work, filled as it is with '' an infinite variety." The author has ample
JFOom and verge enough for the employment of his fine talents to great advantage
—and most successfuUy has he accomplished the task. The biographical sketch
of the author is interesting and " well considered," and adds much to the value
of the book, which is got up in a very neat and attractive style by the publisher. — ■
Portland Tra/riscript.
Mr. Headley is one of the most promising writers of this coimtry, and we have
here one of his best books — one on which he can safely rest his fame. It possesses
the unfatiguing charms of perfect simplicity and truth. There is a graceful frank-
ness pervading the composition, which engages the interest of the reader in the
author as well as in the subject. His rambles about Korae, Paris, and London,
exhibit a thousand hvely traits of an ingenious nature, upon which a man of taste
will deUght to linger. We predict for this a sale equal to that of any of the author's
works. — New York News.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE SAVIOUR AND
HIS APOSTLES.
With a Portrait of each. Engraved on Steel.
TO WniCH IS ADDBD,
AN ESSAY ON THE CHAEACTER OE THE APOSTLES.
BY KEY. J. T. HEADLEY
l^oLlftno. Fifteen Engravings, - - - - - $1 00
** " gilt edgosj extra, - » » 1 5©
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LETTERS FROM THE BACKWOODS
AND THE ADIRONDACK.
BY EEV. J. T. HEADLEY.
ToL12mo. Fullclotii, - - - -- - -lOS©
THE BEAUTIES OF REV. J. T. HEADLEY«
WITH HIS li:fe.
1 Yol. 18mo. Illustrated, - - - - « - -|0 50
" " gilt edges, extra, - - . . 75
OPINION OF THE PEESS.
The collection is one of which no author need be ashamed. It consists, indeed,
of some of Mr. Headley's most brilliant and highly-finished compositions — of those
specimens of his abilities by which he may be judged with the greatest safety to
ins fame as a word-painter and thinker.— iV^^io York '^^-''^
THEOPWEUSTY:
Or, the Plenary Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures,
BY PEOFESSOR GAUSSEN, OF GENEVA.
(Translated by Rev. E. N. Kiek).
A NEW AND ENLARGED EDITION.
1 Tol. 12mo. 410 pages, - - - - - - -$100
"We wish to maice a very distinct and earnest recommendation to onr clerical
friends, to teachers in Sabbath-schools, and others engaged in the work of in«
struction, of a volume entitled, " Theopneusty, or flie Pleno/ry InspiraUon of
the Holy SoHptures:^ The work is by Professor Gaussen, of Geneva, Switzer-
land, and the translation by the Eev. E. N. Kirk. It is published by John S.
Taylor, New York. As an attractive, interesting, powerful, and satisfactory ar-
gument on the plenary inspiration of the Bible, we regard it as unsurpassed by
any work in our knowledge designed for popular reading. It is stripped of
doematic terminology, and is full of faith, and love, and beauty. Our faith in
^od and in His Holy Word has been refreshed and strengthened by the perusal
Hi this work.
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10 BOOKS PUBLISHED BY JOHN S. T ^YLOf?.
HEROINES OF SACRED HISTORY
BY MES, STEELE,
Illustrated with Splendid Engravings,
I ToL 12mo. New, revised, and enlarged edition, - • ' tt 99
« « « " gUt edges, extra, - 1 09
SHANTY, THE BLACKSMITH:
Ji Tale ef Other Times.
BY MES. SHEEWOOB.
IvoLlSmo. ninatrated, - - - - - - • $0 6©
THE HISTORY OF HENRY MILNER.
BY MES. SHEEWOOD.
1 VOL 18mo. aotb, ..--.-- $06&
LILY OF THE VALLEY.
BY MES. SHEEWOOD.
1 VOL 18mo. lUustrated, 10 60
COMMENDATOBT NOTICE BY THE EKV. WILLIAM PATTON, I>.D.
Me. J. S. Tatlob:
It aflfords me pleasure to learn that you are about to re-publish the little work
called " Thb Lily op tkb Valley." Since the time it was presented to my daugh-
ter, by the Eev. Dr. Matheson, of England, it has been a great favorite in my
family. It has been read with intense interest by marly who have from time to
time obtained the loan of it. Indeed it has but seldom been at home since its first
perusaL I doubt not but all who have read it, will be glad of the opportunity of
possessing a copy.
The story is not only natural, but instructive, and weU calculated to impress upon
the mind important moral and religious lessons. Some jxortions of the narrative
are of the most touching and thrilling character. There is a charming simplicity
pervading the work. I feel a strong confidence that you will find an ample sale
for the book. It will find its w?"' into many families, and be found in the libraries
of the Sabbath school. 'Wiluam Patton.
OFINIONft OF THE PEESS.
Avery interesting little work erf 123 pages. It is a simple, though beautiful,
narrative of a young female, some portions of which are of the most pathetic and
affecting character— particularly designed for the edification and instruction of
young females, and a most excellent work to introduce into Sabbath schools. Its
tendency is to kindle the flame of piety in the youthful bosom, to instruct the un-
derstanding, and to warm and improve the heart. Its intrinsic, though unosten-
tatious, merits, should famish it with a welcome into every family. — ioStes' Mom^
ingStar*.
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BOOKS PUBLISHED BY JOHN S. TAYLOR. i\
This is a neat and very interesting liltle volume. The narrative throughout will
be read with pleasure, and some portions of it with thriUing interest. The story
Is natural, and told in very neat language, and with admirable simplicity. It is
not only calculated to please and interest tne mind of the reader, hut also to make
moral and religious impressions upon the heart. We are well assured, if its merits
were generally known, that it would find its way into many families and Sabbath
school libraries, as it is particularly adapted to please and engage the attention of
juvenile readers. — Ilethodist Protestant, Baltimore.
This is a re-publication of a small narrative volume published in England. The
narrative is written with beautiful simplicity, possesses a touching, interest, and is
calculated to leave a salutary impression. It is well fitted for a present by parents
or friends to children, and is worthy of a place in Sabbath school libraries. — Chrid-
tia/n InteJMgencer.
THE POOR VICAR.
(^Translated from the German of Zchokke.)
1 vol. 18mo. Cloth, - - - - - - • - - $0 31
Journal of a Poor Yioar. — Such is the title of a little work translated from
tke German of Zschokke, and published by John S. Taylor, 143 Nassau street.
This Journal is said to have been the foundation of Goldsmith's Vicar of Wake-
field, and certainly it is v/orthy of germing that celebrated work. The author of
" The Journal of a Poor Vicar," is well known as one of the most affecting of that
class of German writers, who know so well how to halo humble life with the iris
of tender and holy sentiment, and this little work is, perhaps, his most successful
effort. Nothing can be more beautiful, touching, and purifying than the character
he has drawn of the Poor Vicar and his two daughters. We defy any one, with
a spark of sentiment, to peruse this Journal without shedding tears. It is a wand
that exercises the feelings and emotions of the heart, with irresistible potency. We
have read nothing — not even the Vicar of Wakefield — to equal it. The translator
has happily presented the spirit of the original. The volume is neatly published,
and whoever fails to reads it, fails of a great and long to be remembered enjoy-
ment.
THE SHORTER CATECHISffl OF THE REV.
ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES.
Vith Proofs^ thereof out of the Scriptures, in Words at length.
Per Hundred, $3 00
The above Books will be forwarded to order, at the prices mentioned, /re^ of
postage, to any part of the United States, on the receipt of orders, toith tTie money.
Address,
J-OIII^ §• TA"¥ILOIt, PiiMislier,
17 ANN STREET, NEW YOKK.
N.B. Any valuable Books to be had in New York, fiirnished by J. S. Taylos,
Rt the lowest cash prices.
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A GREAT NATIONAL WORK.
WASHZZf CTOM,
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This large and magnificent FULL-LENGTH POETEAIT of WASHINa
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Ukeness of WASHINGTON.
The size of the plate is eighteen by twenty-eight inches, which will make a
handsome picture for the parlor, and should be in the hands of every American
citizen.
It is a correct copy from Stuart's celebrated original Painting, now at the State
House, Hartford, Conn.
It is finely engraved, and printed on superior plate paper. That it may be
\vithin the means of all, the Publisher has reduced the price to ONE DOLLAE.
^^ All persons remitting the amount may rely upon receiving a perfect
copy by return of mail, to any part of the United States (careMly put up on
rollers made for the purpose), /r<?d of postage.
PORTEAIT OF KOSSUTH.
On St^el, 16 by 22, $1 00
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within the means of all, the Publisher has reduced the price to ONE DOLLAE,
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Address all orders (post-paid) to the Publisher,
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REPUBLICANISM VS. JESUITISM !
THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOK OF THE AGE.
(JARIOTIM AND THE JESUITS,
By EDMUND PARRENO.
In One Vol. 12mo., 432 Pxges.
JUST PUBLISHED BY JOHN S. TAYLOR,
No. 17 Ann Street, New York,
And for Sale by all Booksellers.
" At the present period, there are but two great powers in the world,
the one representing the past, with its attendant burden of ignorance,
srimes, and miseries, called Catkolicism^ or Romanism ; the other
3ontending for the present, and foreshadowing the future, known as
Republicanism, or Liberty, or Protestantism. All other powers, either
3ivil or religious, are but secondary constellations, moving in various
orbits around these two principles, according to the amount of Liberty
or Despotism they contain,
" The past Boman Catholicism — concealing her fondling, Despotism,
under the cloak of religion : — the present Kepublicanism — inscribing
on its broad flag, Liberty, and the regeneration of mankind."
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CONTENTS.
CHAP. PAGE.
INTRODUCTION « 6
1 THE ANGEL OP THE FIELD - 9
2 AN EASY WAY OF GETTING A STANDING IN SOCIETY .... 27
3 HARMONIOUS UNDERSTANDING OF TWO ARISTOCRATS, AND
THEIR LOVE FOR INTRIGUE *-.,. 38
4 AN ITALIAN PATRIOT 54:
5 PATRIOT, MONK, AND ARISTOCRAT 70
6 A JESUIT IN PETTICOATS - -^ ...... 88
7 PURCHASE OF A YIELDING CONSCIENCE 109
8 CHURCH EDUCATION FOR CATHOLIC GIRLS 126
9 ADRIAN, OR A ROMAN CITIZEN UNDER THE PAPAL GOVERN-
MENT , 143
10 THE BOY AND THE SOLDIER - 159
11 LOVE AND PATRIOTISM t • 177
12 SCENE FROM A ROOF 210
13 PRIEST AND WOMAN 223
14 A MEETING OF SANFEDESTI 247
15 CONFESSION OF A RENEGADE 270
16 THE CONSPIRACY OF THE SANFEDESTI 281
17 AN HOLOCAUST TO LIBERTY 304
18 THE MARRIAGE AND DEATH OF ADRIAN 317
19 FATHER FRANCISCO AND SIGNORA SAVINI 331
20 ELOPEMENT OP A WOMAN WITH A PRIEST 851
21 NICOLO SAVINI AND MATHIAS FORLI •• 864
22 THE CAPTORS AND THE CAPTIVES ^72
23 TWO WOMEN, OR LOVE AND VENGEANCE 888
24 CONCLUSION » "^12
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OPINIONS OP THE PRESS.
Rfom the New-York Evangelist.
0ARLOTINA AND THE Jesuits.— A powerftilly wrongfit tale,
fottMed upon and weaving into its narrative, the scenes of the
revoltition in Rome in 1848, under the iitloof Carldtina ' and tM
^nfedestey or- a Night with the Jesuita at Rdme. The principal in-
terest centers in the heroine Carlotina; but the other characters
are but thin disguises of the prominent actors in- that scene. —
Using the vices, arts and terrible power of Popery as the mate^
rial, the fervid imagination of the author has produced a story
o=f exciting and absorbing interest ; while the political and reli-
gious sentiments it inculcates, are such as Americans cannot help
aj^provin^,. The reader. gets,. among the. deepest, imppessiona of
tl^|}, l/ook,, a .pijOfound sense of .the, evilg :and .terrors <^t, ■., Jesuitism,
a»ic jajjamed far. towards^ thei adoptioiLof iPather ^YAm!s :gTm^
ciple, destruction to Popery,
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Z OPINIONS OP THE PRESS.
From the Christian Parlor Magazirie,
A book in such an attractive form, so true to nature, will be
inquired for, purchased and read. The whole tendency is so hap-
py, the moral and religious tone is so unexceptionable, that we
earnestly hope it will gain a wider circulation than even Uncle
Tom's Cabin, that now goes rapidly even in foreign languages.
Let every one who can obtain this work read it, if for nothing
else than to thank God for our security against so dreadful a
snare, and the good fortune of living in a land where civil and
religious libery are enjoyed unmolested^ May the author of this
volume be spared to produce another as interesting and as pro-
fitable.
I^om the Tribune. — Detroit
It portrays, vividly and truthfully, the recent struggles of the
Republicans of Borne, against the damning corruption, lust and
wickedness of the Jesuitical Priesthood of the Church and Pope
of Rome, in its efforts to perpetuate ignorance and despotism.
We heartily wish this little book in every family, and especially
in the hands of every American citizen, whether Adopted or
Native, Catholic or Protestant ; for it matters not in what nation
or creed an American citizen may have been born and educated,
he owes to the American Government the duty to read, examine,
and study well the principles upon which that Government is
founded and must be perpetuated— he owes it to himself to think
for himself— to scan, compare, and contrast well, in his own mind,
the teachings of any and every person who would influence him
in his actions as an American Freeman.
From the Christian Chronicle — Philadelphia.
In this book Catholicism in its true nature, and history as the
enemy of civilization and liberty is sketched in glowing and truth-
fed terms by a pen highly skilful and eloquent. The author
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OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 3
charges the miseries of the past in Papal countries np^n tbds very
apostate religion, and represents every where, and at all times, as
in antagonism with republicanism. His strong positions are not
overwrought, but fully sustained by the facts in the case. We
are truly glad that one so well qualified has entered on this task.
The book will do much to open the eyes of the public on the
character of Catholicism, and to prepare for its successful resist-
ance as encroachments are continually made.
JFVom the Christian Observer — Philadelphia,
The woof of this interesting story is composed of two great
ideas, which claim the attention of theologians, patriots, and
statesmen everywhere : 1st. Catholicism in every country where
it controls the popular mind, is in open antagonism with the pro-
gress of civilization. It is the foster-mother of ignorance, crime,
misery, and despotism. 2d. Its direct antagonist power is Re-
publicanism, inscribing on its broad, open flag the liberation of
mankind.
FV^m the Trumpet — Boston,
Catholicism is on the increase ; it exercises a great influence
on the destinies of the world. All the countries of Europe are
more or less swayed, or acted upon, by it. Where Catholicism
is paramount, civilization is at a low ebb, as in Mexico, South
America, Spain. Religious liberty decreases under Catholicism.
That species of religion is double-faced ; it accommodates itself
to despotism or republicanism to gain its ends, while all the time
it is striking at the liberties of mankind. To show these expres-
sive facts is the object of the story before us. The Italian pea-
santry ; the Signora a Jesuistic agent of priesthood ; the greedy
host wavering between money and liberty, but finally yielding to
the latter ; the unflinching patriotism of Adrian, dying for his
fellow-companions in democracy ; the precocious genius of the
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4 OPINIONS cyp THi& PR^S^.
Italian boyv Jeronimo, whose devotedness to fVeedcjm, and repti^
naneetojCatholicism foreshadows invivldlfglity the spirit of coniing
generations ; the innocence, love, and recantation of Oarlbtina; the
talent, ambition, and passions of Father Francisco, a priest; whose
eiainent^faeiilties^ forced into a^^v^ong channel by the compressing
hand of the Ghnroh, were rioting in vices,' instead of progressing
incvirtuesi;— -alii these charact^s; moving- ill the circle traced
round them by the principles they professed; are painted in keep-
ing with the strictest law of the logic of the human mind, and
also in accordance with time, locality, and the teachings of his-
tory, the records of the Roman Church, and the late events of
the Italian Revolution. Let ua have a republican literature. —
Let us have books which will impress uponthe hearts of the peo-
ple a love of the institutions of our country, especially our Free
Schools; and awake them to the dangers with which Catholo-
cism, surrounds them.
FVom the LiUrary World,
It is just in the vein and temper to piquiB curiosity, and set in
motion all the elements which belong to the two great worlds of
Protestant and (Roman) Catholic readers. The plot is suflScient-
ly involved to keep us in a maze,' the incidents crowd on with ac-
tivity and despatch ,: and altogether the work is done up in a
style; so vivid and provocative of attention, that all; those who
niake it a pastime or a business to read, will regard *' Oarlotina ^^
asna windfall of the first quality. There is a certain^ foreign ^fla*
vor in the style which, while it is well suited to the subject, ar-
rests attention pretty much^ as a, smack of the brogue or dialect"
doesdn living speech.
F^om the Western ^Christian Advoca/tei
The author of the work— Mr. Edmund Farrenc— informs ns
that he was led to the writing of it by a conviction of the silent,
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yet greatly-increasing" power of Jestiitistil througliout the world
at the present time. He has furnished the public with a volume
of unflagging interest, and none can get up from its perusal with-
out the conviction of the deep, dark, and ^verlastinglyrhypocritK
cal character of these intriguers against human freedom and
liberty.
Prom the Portland Transcript.
Cathiolicisni and Desfjotism ! Protestatism aiid Liberty! Tlie^fe
are the themes of this Wbrfc It exposes the 'Wbi^ings of the
Clraitjh of Rome, and especially of the Jesuits^ It comprises^
mmj facts in regard to the policy of the church, and the condi-
tion of the Roman people/ As a tale; although th^ author pro*
fesses ta have drawn '■ his characters from nature, We ' think they
i^njetimes^ overstep the limits ; the plot is involved; the incidents-
numerous and exciting, and the whole work is one that- will at-
tract much attention. Geo, Lord, Exchange St. has it for sale.
From the Southern Christian Advocate,
It is designed to exhibit Popery in its moral and political enof^
mities, as the enemy of all righteousness, and a veritable child of
the devil. The scene is in Pontifical Rome ; the time, the revo-
luticmary outbreak of 1848 *, and the characters, priests and wo-
men, republicans and aristocrats, and a general grouping of the
corrupt masses that seem to settle down in the ironically called
holy city, as the grand reservoir of all the villainous compounds
of creation supplied by sewers from the corrupt sources of all
civilized and heathen lands. It seems impossible to transcend
the limits of truth in depicting the monstrosities of Popery. Im-
probable as some of the scenes appear, the fathomless abyss of
Popish deeeivableness of unrighteousness will yet vindicate their
correctness, and justify the sad memorials of the man of sin.
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O OPINIONS OP THE PRESS.
From the Christian Mirror — Portland.
This is a book wMcli will be read. The scene of the transac-
tions which it narrates, is Rome and its neighborhood j the tvme
that of revolution, which caused the Pope to flee. The Sanfedesti
were a secret society of Jesuits, who plotted every conceivable
method but honest and upright ones to repress the spirit of liber-
ty and defeat all efforts to secure it. They even planned and at-
tempted to execute a St. Bartholomew tragedy. Carlotina is a
lovely girl, whom a female Jesuit was employed to draw from
her lover all the plans and secrets of the patriots, even at the cost
of her own honor— a sacrifice which, happily, the girl was not re-
quired to make ; her unsophisticated mind yielded to the argu-
ments of her lover, and she herself became a Protestant. Here
are many affecting developments of the iniquitous, oppressive,
and wily character and tendency of the papal system of religion —
the demorahzing and tragical results, which, in its wo^rking, it
brings about.
From the Evening Mirror — New York.
CARLOTINA, OR THE SANFEDESTI.
Such is the title of a work written by Edmund Farrenc, a
French exile now in this city, and issued from the press of John
S. Taylor. It is the most thorough and pungent expose of Jes-
uits and Jesuitism, as the enemies of human freedom, that has
ever attracted our notice. We shall not attempt an analysis of
the plot, nor a description of the characters introduced— not
wishing to subtract from the interest of those who will get and
read the volume — further than to say the scenes are laid in Italy,
at the period of the late revolutions, and that the Jesuits, who
figure everywhere prominently, are convicted of producing;
through their religious, political, and ruffian organizations, the
reaction which, beginning with the strangling of the Roman Re-
public by France, ended in the subversion of every attempt to
give the masses sovereignty in Europe.
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OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 7
English and Austrian diplomacy are exhibited as laboring With
this Jesuit brood to overthrow liberty and the people. The ori-
gin, creed, and character -of the Jesuits, sustained by copious ex-
tracts from their own records, are traced in all their blood-thirsti-
ness and infamy. The priest-Jesuit ^nd the woman-Jesuit— -the
latter. Signora Savina, a polished she-devil— are forcibly limned,
also the -confiding girl-Chorister Carlotina, who, taught to rever-
ence the church above her consciencCj is beset by the priest to
worm from her lover, a republican soldier at R<>me, the secrets
of the republicans, even at the sacrifice of her virtue, is splen-
didly drawn.
Ciceroacchia, {Brunetti,,) the great friend of the republicans j
the noble boy Geronimo, who counter-plots against the she- Jes-
uit Savina, and the soldier lover of Carlotina, are rare pictures,
and said to be taken — ^as we may believe — with the general inci-
dents cof the book, from life and fact The volume abounds with
descriptive beauties, and is vigorously written throughout. It
i^ows'that liberty has no enemy so dangerous as the Jesuits of
the Roman Catholic Church. The volume appears fit a time best
calculated for it to strike an effective blow ^t the subtle enemy
of our institutions, at work everywhere around and among us.
It harmonizes with the eloquent writings of Gavazzi. That it
will be widely sought and read, we believe, for it is as candi4
and manful, as it is earnest and pungent.
FVom the Daily Times — Cincinnati.
This work is one of the best that has issued from the press of
the United States. It is well remarked, that Catholicism and Re-
publicanism are now the two great antagonistic powers of the
earth. All other powers, either civil or religious, are but secon-
dary, moving as satelites around these two great centres. Ca-
tholicism, representing the past, with its ignorance, crimes and
miseries ; Republicanism, contending for the present, and fore-
shadowing the future, ^nd having inscribed on its banner^ Liber-
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$ OPINIONS OF THE PRESST,
^, Equality, and F-ratenaity. This work is deeply interesting',
and is trnthftil in i*ts delineations of character, scenes and events.
Read it, and learn to discover the secret schemes and open asK
sattltsof the agents ctf Despotism.
FVom the National Democrat — New Yor'k
If bold "writmg, vigoronB descriptions, an exciting plot, and
vividly drawn characters will command attention, iit will do it.
The book has many fascinations of plot and description. The
sketches of character persuade us that the writer is an acute ob-
server, a genial thinker, and a man of much humor as well as
sentiment. The characters are drawn with a masterly hand;
and the dialogue in general is managed with good effect and dra-
matic powei:.
From the Puritan and Recorder — Boston.
This work regards Catholicism, and Republicanism as the two*
^eat powers now existing in the world; and of cowse^ it connects
the ffeed'om and happiness of the world with the dpwnfall of the
one, and the triumph of the othcB; The characters are for the
most part admirably sustained ; and the lessons inculcated are so<
palpable, that no one can mistake them. It is a work of no in-
considerable talent, and cannot fail to make itself felt in the most
important controversy of the age.
From the New York Star,
This work -is written to illustrate the powerful antagonism of
CTatholicism to Bepublicanism^, is well written, and in the delinea-
tion of character, nature has been scrupulously portrayed. Each
character is complete in itself, and are coincident with the his-
tory of the Roman Church, and the late events of the Italian
revolution. The book shouM be in every library, illustrating as
it does the struggle now waging between the two great ruling
power? of the earths— religious despotism and liberty^
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OPINIONS OF THE P^RESS. 9
i^om the Atlas— New York.
l?he scenes so "nvidly portrayed in this book were enacted in
Rotiie during the late short an<i sanguinary struggle Sfor liberty
and rCpubliCanistn in that "Eternal Ci:y/' In our opinion it
gives a teiy accurate idea of the state of society, and the condi-
tion of both the coirimon people and the priesthood in that part
cfif the world. The author takes the ground that the Catholio
religion is the natural enemy of liberty and the destroyer of ro-
>ub)ikaitiism, and of course his book is written in that spirit. It if
i very interesting work.
Prom the Daily Advertiser — Brooklyn,
This book is evidently intended as the embodiment of great
principles, and is one of those very few works where some fiction
is well used to portray important truths. The author very well
says in his introductaon, that at the present pefriod there are really
imt two powers in the world, the one is Popery ^iid despotism,
representing the past, with its attendant burden of ignorance,
crimes, and miseries; the other is Protestantism and liberty, civil
and sacred, contending for the present, and fore«hMowing the
future. Th<)se powers he <jonsiders as two grand centres, aroiind
which all other powers revolve, according to the amount of lib-
erty or despotism which they contain. These romarks, which,
for substance, are those of the author, give us a " bird's eye
view " of the book. The scene is laid in Kome in the year 1849,
during the struggle for liberty which then took place, and which
describe, in a most graphic manner, the unholy manoeuvering of the
Jesuits, male and female, to accomplish their wicked schemes.
Many of the incidents are truly startling, all are interesting, and
on the whole, it is one of those books which the man who takes
it up will be unwilling to lay down until he has finished it
From Parker^s Journnal—New York.
This is a noble work, and one well calculated to arouse the at^
tention of the community to that great struggle which is being
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